Getty Images

The Titans want to trade Chris Johnson. Johnson is willing to take less money (but not much less money) to make it happen.

For now, it could be working.

Per a league source, a trade market is emerging for Johnson. The market arises from real interest in Johnson from multiple teams.

For now, nothing is imminent. A trade would require both the Titans to be happy with the compensation and Johnson to be happy with the destination. Johnson also would have to be happy with his contract.

Because the Titans owe Johnson no guaranteed money or bonuses, they can take their time. The situation becomes awkward only if the issue lingers until the offseason program opens and Johnson shows up and insists on participating in sessions that, if a serious injury happens, would require the Titans to pay his full $8 million for the coming season.

Johnson has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his six NFL seasons. Last year, however, he had a career-low 3.9 yards per carry.

His best season came in 2009, when Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards, one of seven players to break the 2,000-yard barrier.