Rapoport: Surprising if Titans don't release Chris Johnson by Monday

It appears as if Chris Johnson's time with the Tennessee Titans is done. Johnson refused a pay cut to stay with Tennessee and the Titans have looked for a trading partner, but that search has come up empty so far. That leaves Tennessee with only one option and that is to release the three-time Pro Bowl running back.

According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on an appearance on "NFL Total Access" it would be surprising if Johnson is not released either Friday, or early Monday morning at the latest. This seems to echo the sentiments of Johnson's agent, Joel Segal, who said Wednesday it was only "a matter of time" before the two sides went their separate ways.

Johnson's cap hit of $10 million is just too high for any team to take on in a trade, especially from a running back that rushed for a career low average of 3.9 yards per carry last season. Johnson can still be a valuable piece for an offense, but has worn out his welcome in Tennessee. He's likely to generate interest in free agency, however, considering the amount running backs have signed for on the open market, he's unlikely to come anywhere near the $8 million he was scheduled to earn in 2014.