The Facts: Why did the Titans decide to release Johnson now, with three seasons left on his contract? Performance, money, attitude and the desire to start fresh under a new coaching staff all played a role in the decision to move on without the franchise's third-leading rusher all-time.

Diehards Line: This according to Tennessean staffer Jimy Wyatt, who aknowledged that the $8 million Johnson owed was probably the biggest reason. Johnson was adamant that he had no plans to take a pay cut. Plus, the Titans had questions about how many years of effectiveness he had left. Still, Johnson managed a 2,006-yard season in 2009, and was given a huge new contract in 2011, despite what the team already knew about his work ethic. And as Profootballtalk.com's Michael David Smith suggests, "If Johnson were still playing the way he played a few years ago, the Titans would probably be willing to look past whatever issues there may be about his work ethic." Smith summed up: Ultimately, Johnson was cut because his production didn’t live up to his contract. When you’re a running back who averages 3.9 yards a carry and is due to make $8 million, your job won’t be safe no matter how hard you work."