Cardinals, Chris Johnson mutually interested in contract extension

If all goes to plan, Chris Johnson will be back with the Arizona Cardinals for another season.

Johnson is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next month, but he's optimistic that he'll re-join the Cardinals.

"They want me back and I want to be back, but you know how the business side is," Johnson said Tuesday on SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. "Everything has got to be right for both parties, but I can't wait for both sides to get started (talking)."

Johnson rushed for 814 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a fractured tibia on Nov. 29. In spite of his injury, he led the Cardinals in rushing, and would be an integral part of a multi-pronged attack entering the 2016 season.

After signing a lucrative four-year, $54-million contract in 2011 with the Tennessee Titans, Johnson views winning as more important than getting a gargantuan deal from a lesser club.

"I feel like at this point in my career I am not really chasing the money," Johnson said. "I can't say I ever really chased the money, but when you're a young guy in this league, you want to take care of your family and get the highest deal possible.

"I still want to get the best deal, but at the same time, I want to be somewhere where we have a chance to win. I feel like Arizona is the best place for me right now."

One of seven players to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season, Johnson would be a valued asset for an offense that put the league on notice with 30.6 points per game.