David Johnson skipping mandatory Cardinals minicamp, holding out for a new long-term deal

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news, a bombshell that dropped and changed the face of the Arizona Cardinals’ offseason that David Johnson, who was expected to participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp starting today.

Johnson didn’t participate in the final OTA practice session last week due to possibly “injury”, although HC Steve Keim chose not to discuss the exact reasons.

Now, it’s becoming more obvious that Johnson is wanting a long-term deal from the team.

Johnson is 26 years old and in the last year of his rookie contract and coming off a season in which he missed 15 games due to a wrist injury in Week 1 against the Lions.

In Johnson’s 2016 season, he followed up his outstanding 2015 rookie campaign in which he set a franchise rookie record for touchdowns by becoming the first player in NFL history to average over 100 yards from scrimmage in the first 15 games of the season with 1239 rushing yards, 879 receiving yards and he led the NFL in yards from scrimmage.

He had a chance to become 3rd player in NFL history to hit 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season before he left with a sprained MCL in Week 17 of the 2016 season against the Rams.

All in all, Johnson is a vital part of Arizona’s offense but will Arizona see him in a similar light to Larry Fitzgerald in terms of importance, or could they treat him like Le’Veon Bell by franchise-tagging him as the running back position is often injured and short-lived.

What are your thoughts, Cardinals fans?

Is DJ right and should get paid? Or is this the wrong move for him to make? Sound off below in the comments with your thoughts!

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