Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is expected to end his holdout Friday after agreeing to a four-year contract extension, according to reports.

ESPN reported Johnson’s deal is worth $53 million with $30 million guaranteed, putting him on par with the highest paid running backs in the game. Johnson had been seeking to be one of the top paid playmakers in the game but his deal still lags significantly behind players like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

The bottom line, however, was that the deal is good enough to get Johnson back into Titans camp nine days before the season starts.

"He'll sign tomorrow and take his physical and be ready to start practicing," Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said to the media Thursday night before Tennessee played New Orleans in the final preseason game. "It was a tough negotiation, but both sides gave some and we got it done."

Johnson has been the most productive running back in the NFL the last few seasons and now he is finally being paid as such. His contract was revised last year so that he would make $1.065 million, which would have still put the star back way below market value.

The extension makes Johnson’s contract in line with Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams’ deal. Williams has a five-year contract worth $43 million with $30 million guaranteed those first three seasons.

Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris

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