The Cincinnati Reds are one club that has made public its interest in signing Johnson.

But Tampa Bay did not sign Johnson simply for his talent.

The Mariners have said if they can't sign Johnson, who is believed to be seeking more than $5 million a year, they will trade him.

When it came time to decide whether or not to sign Johnson to a new contract last year, his unselfish deeds were not a factor.

The Yankees will at least see what it might cost to sign Johnson or Brown, the top two pitchers on the market this off season.

And if the Jets had signed Johnson, it would have been a total salary-cap crisis.

A top-dollar bidding war ensued to sign Johnson, with major record labels 'throwing some big numbers.

On June 19, the Falcons signed Johnson to a deal.

In addition, the Yankees were said to be signing Johnson to a three-year contract extension at $12 million a year.

And if the Jets fail to sign Johnson, they could also be looking at a deal with the Ravens.