The Tennessee Titans claim they are prepared to make Chris Johnson the highest paid running back in NFL history when he ends his holdout.

Johnson, however, told the Nashville Tennessean that that is news to him.

“Maybe they talked,” Johnson said of a possible meeting between the Titans and his agent Joel Segal. “But I guarantee we never received any offer.”

The Titans say Johnson must report to work before they will rework his deal, which is way below market value for one of the league’s most productive running backs the past few seasons. Johnson’s deal was improved in 2010 to give him a little more money, but promises were made to discuss the contract again this year.

“Even though he has two years left on his contract, we’d like him to go in,” said Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt. “He could go to meetings, get to know the new coaches, he can learn the scheme. He doesn’t have to practice, but it’s something we want to get done."

“Again, we’re willing to make him the highest paid running back in the history of the NFL. That’s kind of where we are.”

It’s not like they're doing the 24th pick in the 2008 draft any favors. Johnson has flat out earned every penny he is asking for. The three-time Pro Bowler’s total of 4,598 total rushing yards over the last three years is more than any other running back.

Johnson is slated to make $1 million this season, which is only a slight improvement from the $850,000 he would have been due under the original contract, according to an Associated Press story. Johnson and his representatives are said to be seeking a deal that would include $30 million in guaranteed money.

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

(Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)