Cardinals sign David Johnson to 3-year, $39 million extension

Jack Baer
·Staff writer
David Johnson got paid despite missing nearly all of last year with a wrist injury. (AP Photo)
David Johnson got paid despite missing nearly all of last year with a wrist injury. (AP Photo)

One of the NFL’s elite running backs now has an elite salary. The Arizona Cardinals have signed star rusher David Johnson to a 3-year, $39 million contract, worth up to $45 million and $30 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Cardinals announced the signing Saturday night.

A third-round pick out of Northern Iowa in 2015, Johnson holds 1,843 career rushing yards and 4.3 yards per attempt across three seasons, along with 1,403 receiving yards and 122 receptions. After leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage and earning All-Pro honors in the 2016 season, Johnson missed all but one game last year due to a wrist injury.

Johnson was set to hit free agency after this season, where he would have been one of the most desirable running backs on the market along with Le’Veon Bell, who is mired in his own conflict for some extra financial security.

Now, Johnson and the Cardinals can head into Sunday’s season opener against Washington knowing the 26-year-old will likely be calling Phoenix home until the end of the 2021 season.

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