Bryant Johnson Watch Continues in Buffalo

by Brian Galliford on Mar 4, 2008 7:15 AM EST in News

Update [2008-3-4 10:19:14 by Brian Galliford]: As many of you are aware, three more free agents - Titans TE Ben Troupe, Chargers S Marlon McCree and Falcons FB Corey McIntyre - are visiting with the Bills today. Keep it locked in here throughout the rest of the day, as someone will update if anything happens regarding any of the four free agents the team has visited with over the past two days. End Update

Free agent WR Bryant Johnson came to Buffalo for a visit. We don't know if he left. What is clear about Johnson's status with the team at this point is that nothing is clear. Were the Bills and Johnson's agent, Joel Segal, negotiating into the night? Are highly speculative reports (once again) that he's got an agreement with the Bills incorrect (once again)? All I know is that after about 36 hours of speculating and being on my toes in regards to this story, I'm ready for something to happen, one way or another.

In order to remain stress-free over the Bryant Johnson ordeal, here's a three-step plan for calming the nerves, whether or not Johnson signs in Buffalo or visits elsewhere:

1. Johnson isn't the only option: If Johnson does not sign in Buffalo, it's because his agent is looking for a deal close to what Bernard Berrian got in Minnesota, and the Bills are smart enough not to throw that kind of money at Johnson. If a deal with the Cardinals free agent falls through, the Bills can turn to players such as D.J. Hackett, Javon Walker, Marty Booker, Justin McCareins, or some other not-quite-washed-up veteran who can play the role of stop-gap for two years. Clearly, Johnson is preferable to all of those names, but if the Bills strike out, they'll get another plate appearance.

2. There's a plan in place: The Bills have proven this off-season that ever since the Dick Jauron regime (for lack of a better term) took over in Buffalo, they've had a very carefully plotted plan for re-building this roster. That plan has hit full gear this off-season. I trust, also, that the front office has a plan if a Johnson deal falls through.

3. We Still Have Josh Reed: Whoops. Maybe this is a two-step plan. This one's for you, Nick.

I'll be out of town all afternoon, but fear not - the daunting triumvirate of Kurupt, jri111 and sireric have your back, as they'll keep you up to date on anything that happens of note while I'm away. Keep your fingers crossed for a Johnson deal, and Go Bills!

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It all depends

If Bryant Johnson sees himself more like Bernard Berrian (6 years/$42 Million), and less like Ernest Wilford (5 years/$13 Million), Donte' Stallworth (4 years/$17.1 Million), or Andre Davis (4 years/$16 Million) then he will be asking for too much. I really believe that as much as I would like to add Johnson, the simple fact is there are still plenty of options out there, (Marty Booker, D.J. Hackett, Javon Walker, Justin McCareins) it just doesn't make any sense to overspend on Bryant Johnson. It's not like the Bills would be paying for T.O. or Marvin Harrison, Bryant Johnson is not an elite receiver and shouldn't be paid like one. Remember whatever we pay Johnson you can add about 15% and give that to Lee Evans.

I know it's not my money, but the cap can only hold so much, the Bills can't afford too many bad contracts, and overpaying for Bryant Johnson would represent a bad contract.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 4, 2008 8:28 AM EST 0 recs

Yet another claim

BillsInsider.com Is saying this.

ESPN Radio: Bryant Johnson a Bill (Unconfirmed Report)

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 - 01:18 PM

Several of our members from the The Buffalo Range.com are reporting that they heard ESPN radio mention that the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinal WR Bryant Johnson have agreed to terms in the neighborhood of 4 years 16.7 million. Nothing "Official" has been announced so stay tuned as we try and uncover more.

Being a Bills fan in MA, My new favorite saying is "18-1"!!!

by grego32 on Mar 4, 2008 8:40 AM EST 0 recs

4 years 16.7 million

That would be a solid sign, and at fair money.

I hope it's true and for that price.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 4, 2008 8:52 AM EST up 0 recs

Johnson

I would love to be able to sign Johnson for 17 mil. He's by far IMO the receiver with the highest ceiling on the market as far as potential goes. But if it doesn't happen it's not the end of the world. Rotoworld just released a list of their top receivers available in FA and they listed DJ Hackett as #1, citing that his injury concerns would make his price the best deal for the type of player the team would be getting. They even said he might be the only true #1 WR available as they seem to believe that he has serious potential. While I still believe that Johnson is better, Hackett could be a great plan B for the reasons mentioned above

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Mar 4, 2008 9:10 AM EST up 0 recs

If you ask me...

That sounds too good to be true, given the money that was mentioned. No way Johnson is "only" worth a million or two than Andre Davis over four years. If that really does pan out like that, then it's obvious that someone at OBD has incriminating pictures of Johnson...

by krytime on Mar 4, 2008 10:28 AM EST up 0 recs

Maybe

But Andre Davis did have a better season than Johnson did last year. Davis also comes with the added bonus of being a kick returner. Also, I would say Johnson is worth 12 mil less than Moss (that contract is really going to help the Bills add a wideout). It has been a weird offseason with guys like Antwan Odom getting 30 mil when Lance Briggs only got 36 mil.

On a seperate note, I think we are all so desperate for the Bills to replace Reed and find a new #2 that we are overrating the WRs available. Johnson wasn't that productive in college and hasn't proven anything at the pro level. He is just as likely to be a bust signing as he is to be a great #2 receiver. I don't get the desperation.

by kaisertown on Mar 4, 2008 12:39 PM EST up 0 recs

I'm like Brian here

I just want [i]something[/i] to happen. If he signs, great. If not, well we can move on. There hasn't been a lot of news about any other receivers, so it's fair to bet that we still would have a decent crop to choose from.

On an unrelated note; Brett Favre has retired.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3276034

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 4, 2008 10:10 AM EST 0 recs

funny

I love how the article basically states that Chris Mortenson read Glazer's article and is now reporting what Glazer reported. Throw in a quick call to his agent and you have Mortenson "breaking" another story. What a loser.

by jmorris0823 on Mar 4, 2008 10:12 AM EST up 0 recs

wow

They revised that article and took out any mention of Glazer or FoxSports who broke the story. Pathetic.

by jmorris0823 on Mar 4, 2008 10:14 AM EST up 0 recs

Farve out

could this be a possible destination for J.P.?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 4, 2008 10:20 AM EST up 0 recs

It would makes sense.

Maybe we could trade Losman for one of their terrific receivers.

by Scotty P on Mar 4, 2008 10:32 AM EST up 0 recs

It would *MAKE sense.

by Scotty P on Mar 4, 2008 10:34 AM EST up 0 recs

Unlikely, but you never know

Craig Nall is back in Green Bay as the third string QB; Losman could probably beat him for the 2nd string spot, but would they trade a 3rd round pick for a QB that wouldn't start?

Falcons, Vikings and 49ers are all more likely:

(Falcons)http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=369894

(49ers)
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/21471.html
Quote from Bialy: "Statistically, Losman has had a more impressive career than (Alex) Smith, although that's like being proud of getting better grades than the kid in your class who eats crayons and wears Velcro sneakers through his teens."

Sounds like any of the three teams (well, their fans at least) would give a 3rd for Losman.

by Krenn on Mar 4, 2008 10:34 AM EST up 0 recs

Crayons taste yummy.

by krytime on Mar 4, 2008 10:36 AM EST up 0 recs

Crayons taste yummy

Paste is better.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 4, 2008 10:43 AM EST up 0 recs

Don't forget

The Pack just picked up Cleveland's 2nd round pick. It makes it easier to part with a 3rd rounder if you already have two 2nd rounders.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 4, 2008 10:42 AM EST up 0 recs

yep

Johnson has been my favorite potential FA WR for the Bills. I was more excited about that (alleged) signing than any of the others. Still, I was excited because I figured if he did sign, the Bills didn't overpay. If it is a money issue, and he thinks he can get a lot more somewhere else, than so be it. No worries either way, just would rather not overpay, especially with Evans' signing/not signing on the horizon.

by jmorris0823 on Mar 4, 2008 10:10 AM EST 0 recs

anyone know?

Anyone know where Johnson is today? I've heard that he is supposedly in Tampa Bay but yesterday CB said he was going to Washington and that is what B. Johnson said. I wish we could at least get some confirmation where he is today

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 4, 2008 3:02 PM EST 0 recs

from the Skins website...

-- Johnson to Visit?

Arizona Cardinals free agent wide receiver Bryant Johnson told the Buffalo Bills official web site on Monday that he has scheduled a visit with the Redskins. (Johnson visited with Buffalo on Monday.) However, Redskins team officials have not confirmed a visit with Johnson.

-----oo

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 4, 2008 3:20 PM EST 0 recs

I wish

this silly soap opera would just end one way or another. I like Johnson, but come on, this is getting ridiculous.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 4, 2008 5:33 PM EST 0 recs

I think it's safe to say....

we aren't signing Johnson unless the Skins and Bears offer him the same or less money than we did.

I can't imagine his agent has been negotiating a contract for the last day. This ship has sailed, in my opinion.

I believe it is time to move on to plan B, C and D (Hackett, Walker and me).

by Kurupt on Mar 4, 2008 6:17 PM EST 0 recs

Johnson/ Reed

...I almost threw my computer when I saw "We still have Josh Reed"...thankfully, it was a joke. I'll echo the sentiment that the fallback plans aren't so bad (other than Marty Booker). In fact, I'd take both Hackett and Walker ahead of Bryant Johnson and I feel like Justin McCareins would make for a semi-decent insurance in case whatever rookie we draft in the first three rounds isn't ready to contribute significantly by the opener. Would I like to see Bryant Johnson signed? Yes. Only because the more veterans we place ahead of Reed's name on the depth chart, the less handcuffed we are by the black hole of WR heading into the draft...Also, I'm starting to talk myself into a Aquib Talib frenzy, much like I did last year with Patrick Willis and the year before with Ngata, and 2004 with Roethlisberger, and '03 with William Joseph (uh, forget I said that one), and etc. I wanted 2-3 impact starters in free agency and we're at 2.5 already...Walker and Hackett would make it 3.5, Johnson a solid 3...I'm already pleasantly surprised by Brandon and company.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Mar 4, 2008 8:40 PM EST 0 recs

Johnson

According to the official Washington Redskins site, Johnson has no visit planned and I don't see anything on their blog to indicate that either he or they are interested.

by btk0930 on Mar 4, 2008 9:19 PM EST 0 recs

furthermore,

I don't (correct me if I am wrong) see the Redskins in dire need of a WR. They could accomplish their final goals in the draft. I think that Buffalo is waiting to present a three headed monster; Johnson, Troupe and McIntyre and add to that McCree. I could be wrong, however Buffalo likes to see the hype of "BIG" things happening all at once.

by btk0930 on Mar 4, 2008 9:31 PM EST 0 recs