The worst-case scenario discussed back in May 2nd is taking form. Kansas City’s Larry Johnson told Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star in a revealing interview that he is prepared for a holdout — a long-term holdout.

“I’m prepared,” said Johnson. “They (my agent and father) got me saving money. I’m hustling to get more money to put in the bank. They already started setting aside different accounts, if that would have to happen.”

It’s a scary scenario for the Chiefs, a team struggling to stay under the salary cap, especially considering that they will need to jack Johnson’s salary way up from the miniscule $1.7 million he’s set to receive this season. Johnson deserves much more; in fact, he deserves to be paid more than any other rusher in the league for two reasons.

First and foremost, he’s still young and in the prime of his career. In fact, he hasn’t necessarily peaked yet. And that’s an amazing thought, considering he’s run for more than 1750 yards each of the past two seasons; and he’s only played two complete seasons in his five year career.

Second, and just as important from his standpoint, his career figures to be shorter than his peers; at least, while he’s in Kansas City. He’s carried 752 times over the past two seasons, including a record setting 416 last season.

This leaves the Chiefs with three scenarios.

1: The team calls Johnson’s bluff and watches him hold out for season. This is probably the least likely of the three scenarios because the Chiefs cannot really risk having no good running back in the offense, especially while they groom Damon Huard and work him into the offense.

2: The team decides it can’t afford to spend 2007 with Johnson holding out. They decide to pay Johnson what he wants. And what he wants figures to be a top-tier salary that rivals his peers, at least $5-6 million in base salary.

3: The team decides they can’t afford his salary, but they also admit it won’t be easy waltzing through a season with Johnson on the sideline. The only available option? Trading him.

The third choice is by far the most interesting and it has my interest peaked because there are a few teams in the NFL with both the resources and need for a runner of Johnson’s caliber.

One team that immediately comes to mind is the Green Bay Packers. The most difficult thing for any team wanting to acquire Johnson is the immediate contract restructuring for Johnson. The Packers are one of a few teams that can easily afford Johnson’s contract.

Also, the Packers could use a runner like Johnson, someone who can grind out yards in any given situation. It would take pressure off Brett Favre as well as provide Number Four with the sendoff he deserves. The Packers were only a few points away from making the playoffs last season, but the offense failed the team in the second half of most games. Imagine an offense fueled by Johnson’s rushing attack and strengthened by the wily veteran Favre.

It’s not so hard to picture the Packers skating by Detroit and Minnesota and making the playoffs as a Wild Card. Hey, they might even be able to beat the Bears next season while they experience a Super Bowl hangover.

Another team suggested recently by Yahoo Sports columnist Jason Cole is the New York Giants. It makes sense that the Giants would want to acquire someone to instantly replace Tiki Barber. After all, Eli Manning is still struggling to maintain consistency in the league and providing him with stability at running back could do wonders.

Basically, I’d like to see Johnson’s career extended by him being used less in another offense. He being counted on for 300-340 carries per season would be great for his longevity.

Fans who complain when players like Johnson — those who have clearly displayed excellence on the field and are in line for a new contract — demand more than their current contract need a wakeup call.

Larry Johnson, someone who appreciates the rich history of the NFL, suggests Earl Campbell as a prime example.

“If they (fans and media) really want it to hit home, look at Earl Campbell. He’s not complaining, but he can barely walk. He’s sitting in wheelchairs. He can’t sit at banquets for a long amount of time before he has to leave. It’s sad to have to watch him go through what he has to go through. You look at me; I don’t want to be like that. But I may end up like him. Who knows? I have to be able to plan for that, plan for my kids. I don’t know if I’m going to be running back and forth taking my kids to soccer practice.”

Johnson may well end up like Campbell when his career in the NFL is over. He deserves what he can get now. And if the Chiefs are either unable or unwilling to provide him with that, he should be shown a team who can.

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