Buffalo Bills' Stevie Johnson Set $7.5M Asking Price, Per Report
by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2011 8:45 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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The impending unrestricted free agent status of Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson remains the hot topic in Western New York this morning, aided by a WGR 550 report that Johnson has sought a $7.5 million annual salary from the Bills in twice-defunct negotiations.
The report also states that Johnson and the Bills discussed contract proposals four or five years in length, that the Bills tried to re-open negotiations with Johnson after signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to a long-term deal in October, and that Johnson himself twice put an end to negotiations when it became clear that a reported $2 million price tag gap couldn't be crossed. Johnson purportedly did not want the situation to become a distraction during the season.
Johnson told reporters on Wednesday that he's optimistic a deal will be reached in the off-season, and the two sides still have more than 10 weeks to go before Johnson officially reaches unrestricted free agency. If the report on the asking price is accurate, the Bills may want to wrap up a deal quickly in that range, lest they lose him altogether or be forced to pay him approximately $9.7 million (per WGR figures) with the franchise tag.
Johnson needs just 36 receiving yards on Sunday in New England to become the first receiver in Bills history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
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When’s the last time a top tier FA’s first choice was Buffalo. These guys can’t really screw this up can they?
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez
by dnvrBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 8:49 AM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
I’m starting to wonder that myself. Ron from NM and i debated last night about tossing Buddy under the bus, i’m not ready too, Ron is. But if they screw up with Stevie and don’t retain him, it may cause me to change my mind rather rapidly and i might be with Ron and tossing him.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
If you had to bet your life on it....what would you say?
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
Sadly – well you know the answer
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez
by dnvrBillsfan on Dec 30, 2011 2:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
sure they can.
It’s the Bills we are talking about. I see a deal getting done. What little faith this fan base has maybe gone if they do not resign him. He is to good to let walk away.
by 2010bulls on Dec 30, 2011 8:53 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
It’s the Bills we are talking about. I see a deal getting done. What little faith this fan base has maybe gone if they do not resign him. He is to good to let walk away.
I agree, but what if…they let him walk, drafted Ryan Broyles and signed DeSean Jackson in FA? I wouldn’t be too upset with that outcome. But I would much rather them resign Stevie and still sign DeSean in FA :-D
Yeah, because Desean Jackson is going to sign for $5.5 million per season.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
If we ended up with Broyles and DeSean we would probably have the smallest group of wideouts in the league.
STAN UP MY BUFFALO NATION OUR DESTINY AWAITS AND WE WILL GO TO THE END OF THE LAND AND FIGHT FOR ALL THATS BEEN DENIED TO US - abayarde, who else?
uhh
Brad Smith 6-2 (212)
David Nelson 6-5 (215)
D. Jones 6-0 (209)
M. Easley 6-2 (220)
D. Hagan 6-2 (215)
K. Aiken 6-2 (213)
R. Parrish 5-9 (175)
R. Martin 6-4 (212)
That’s clearly “the smallest group of wideouts in the league.”
Ask Philly if they have a problem with DeSean’s lack of size…ask Carolina the same thing about Steve Smith too…being small doesn’t mean you can’t be successful…
Well
my comment was meant jokingly more than an accurate depiction of our wideouts. I was well aware of the stature of guys like Nelson and Smith. But being serious, I wouldnt be happy with letting Stevie walk and ending up with a problem-child that doesnt really fit well into our offense and an undersized rookie coming off of a torn ACL. I actually liked Broyles a lot at Oklahoma and was disappointed to see him go down this season, but his size and his injury are going to hurt his stock IMO and I just dont see him as a fit for the Bills. Youre right, small does not equal unsuccessful, but the Steve Smiths and Wes Welkers are few and far between.
STAN UP MY BUFFALO NATION OUR DESTINY AWAITS AND WE WILL GO TO THE END OF THE LAND AND FIGHT FOR ALL THATS BEEN DENIED TO US - abayarde, who else?
fair enough
i don’t think they should let stevie walk either in favor of d jackson and broyles. i was simply giving an alternative if they were to let him walk. i would like to see him in addition to stevie. i initially brought this idea up as a topic of convo based off of Ralph’s comments about Fitz and getting him some more “weapons.” I suggested DJ b/c he’s the kind of money maker i mean play maker that Ralph might be interested in bringing to this team due to the decline in ticket sales. Ralph has said he wants to bring excitement back to b-lo. he’s tried to do that by bringing in T.O., then he hired Nix who let T.O. go (stupid). Ralph wanted Spiller for his potential money making i mean play making abilities and excitement, so ralph got Spiller. I assure you Ralph had his eyes on big Cam too but couldnt grab him, so he settled with Dareus. Ralph wants the money making play makers, but his stupid GM is too conservative.
yea, Broyles draft stock has been crushed by his injury. I’m thinking its wanning between 3rd and 4th rounds. He was considered a low 1st rounder before the injury.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
And if I had wheels I'd be a bicycle...
We can’t just assume we’d get either of those guys if Stevie left. Good teams keep their good players, it’s as simple as that. Especially if they have as much cap space as we do! I’d much rather keep Stevie so we can focus on signing our one good free agent, and draft our next 1st round bust at one of our 14 other need positions.
I'm off to hop in my barrel and chuck myself down Niagara Falls.
by The PenIsMightier on Dec 31, 2011 2:59 AM EST up reply actions
7.5 million per is very reasonable. He’s not even starting negotiations trying to highball them. If they can’t this done for 7 million per this team proves once again they’re a joke. And if they don’t think a WR1 entering the prime of his career is worth 7m, when they paid 8.25 per to Evans, they really are a bunch of dunces.
Overpaying Lee might make them less likely to pay Stevie.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 30, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
I think your right grey….. the Lee contract has them scared.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Well then
they should quit being little girls about it or just quit. If they are scared then this isn’t the business for them. That price tag is perfectly reasonable for Stevie.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
by ALLaBorde on Dec 30, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
It wouldn’t be the first time. Look at what many feel Mike Williams did to Ralph Wilson’s trust in drafting high-rated tackles early.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
agreed @ allaborde
RED HULK: Pos: OLB, Height: 6'4, Weight: 1,040 .. 0.5 ON THE 40 ... uummm looks like we found our NEW OLB BOYS!
take a look at the other articles that compare Stevie's production vs other WR's
Funny thing is, when I first saw the $7.5mm/year figure, my first reaction was – no f way he’s worth that much. But then I saw the other WR’s salaries and Stevie’s catches/yards/TDs vs other top receivers, and now I’m sold.
He’s definitely a top 15 receiver and he’s asking for top 15 money. He might not be “special” like Megatron or Andre Johnson or even Wes Welker, but the guy produces. I know he’s not clutch and does stupid $#!+ now and then, but if he was perfect he wouldn’t be asking for just $7.5mm.
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
I still think it’s more than he probably deserves, when he sometimes gets the dropsies and can disappear, but he’s a gamer, and he truly seems to like being on this team, which is something in and of itself. Plus, the list of players in this league that are overpaid is a long one, and I can’t imagine what our WR corps would look like without him. Pay the man!
by BuffaloRepresent on Dec 30, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Well, the dollar value is mildly surprising, but can you actually name 15 receivers you would rather have than him? I don’t think I can. The two Johnsons, Welker, Fitzgerald, White, AJ Green, etc….I think there are a bunch of guys you could make an argument about being better, but I don’t think they are unquestionably no brainer better. I think he’s top 10 personally. He’s not great (yet) but he’s very good.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 31, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
IMO
any man that can single handled embarrass the JETS corners .. has my approval for 7.5 M ..
RED HULK: Pos: OLB, Height: 6'4, Weight: 1,040 .. 0.5 ON THE 40 ... uummm looks like we found our NEW OLB BOYS!
That may be true, but it’s flat out stupid. Johnson has already proven he is a MUCH better overall reciever than Evans. You have to look at each player individually. To not pay Johnson based on Evans is something a bush-league FO would do. Oh wait……
Sometimes I feel like Hacksaw Jim Duggan is running the show.
http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/pictures/hacksaw2.jpg
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
who do you think is the lead negotiator for the Bills ????
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
by Joe P. on Dec 30, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It better get Done...
I believe they will get a deal with Stevie done, they are negotiating and will settled in the middle with plenty of incentives. They better not develop another late round player then let him walk after he becomes productive!!!
The Bills philosophy:
Don’t want to pay young players until they prove themselves —(Peters, Greer, Johnson, Jackson, Winfield, Williams, etc)
When they prove themselves don’t want to pay them market value….
I think the fans will revolt if Steve Johnson leaves, we are fed up with letting talent leave and constantly having to replace talent instead of stockpiling talent…
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
by Goose22 on Dec 30, 2011 8:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
rec'd......and the sad thing is Nix has said as much but the talent still keeps getting away
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
In all fairness, the Bills did pay Peters. It was just that shortly afterwards he decided that he needed another raise.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
Yep....but they also pissed him off with their negotiating tactics to the point where he didn't want to be here anymore
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
That one I’m going to hang on Peters. The Bills turned him into a decent RT from a scrub TE and then gave him a really good deal for a developing RT. If I remember right it was less than 2 years later that Peters demanded to be the highest paid LT in the league.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
yep.....but he did earn it.....
I didn’t like the fact Peters threatened to hold out, but how much of that was because of how the Bills handled the negotiations?
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
For what it's worth, in the WGR articles multiple agents say the Bills handle negotiations very professionally.
I’m inclined to think that Peters camp was just upset that their hardball approach didn’t work as they originally thought it would.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
So guys should get new contracts every year if they outperform their current deal? What about the Bills? Should they request half of Fitz’s money back because he tanked?
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
actually i like your comment Matt. Funny you say that and i was watching ESPN earlier about Chris Johnson having a “DE-Esculator” clause in his contract. So instead of puting in esculators or bonus to add on to the salary, they have the opposite on his to take money away from him. I had never heard of a contract ever set up that way till today. Wonder if Buffalo considered doing that to Fritz?
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
Peters quickly got disgruntled and held out for my team in Madden too
what a bum
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha
that made me laugh….fletcher did that to me too in one of the earlier maddens…madden 05 or 06 I think. Bastard
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
well, at least he didn’t get your QB sacked.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 31, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
An Peters is still going to the pro bowl
While the Bills continue to have question marks at left tackle… Personally I think he was fed up with the whole organization and wanted out.
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
Which of course only proves once again that the Pro Bowl is just a popularity “vote for guys I’ve heard of” contest more than an actual All Star game based on merit.
No
it proves you haven’t watched him play recently. I’ve heard many so called experts say this year Peters has by far and away been the best left tackle in the NFC and equal to any in the league.
Yeah, I actually heard good things about Peters the second half the year. From what I understand he (and the whole team) started rough. I’d take Bell at his salary over Peters and his salary though.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 31, 2011 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
rec'd
if they let Stevie go .. they might as well move the Bills to Toronto permenantly .. this we way we can at least blame the mishaps on the Canadians .. lol .. i love Canada!
RED HULK: Pos: OLB, Height: 6'4, Weight: 1,040 .. 0.5 ON THE 40 ... uummm looks like we found our NEW OLB BOYS!
Nix has Stevie
right where he wants him. Buddy “Nixes” a $7.5MM deal and has the franchise tag in his bib overalls pocket, where it will only cost the Bills $9.7MM….the man’s a genius I tell ya.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
by fansince60 on Dec 30, 2011 9:02 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Of course, Buddy isn’t going through this back and forth, Overdorf is. You also realize, that franchising him is a one year payment, where as a $7.5m deal for 4-5 years might be an upfront payment of $20-25m. If you franchise a guy, you can still finalize a deal and ngeotiate a lower rate per year in exchange for a longer-term contract.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 30, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
yes, I know…just a little exaggeration. IMO, OBD, as a whole, is somewhat inept in handling contracts and/or retaining players. And yes, it’s happened many times before Nix.
My problem is, he was supposed to bring an end to that comedy. Yet, he seems to be perpetuating it.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
I’m waiting to see what actually happens to judge them on this one. Too easy to get swayed by these “reports” when nothing has happened yet. I was pumped they resigned Lee, but so far that was a mega-bust of a contract extension.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 30, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
Yea, they really messed up by not resigning Poz and then bringing in a better player for half the price… Many of the guys the Bills let walk aren’t worth what they’re being paid. The 49ers made Clements the highest paid defender in the league. London Fletcher was overpaid by Snyder and the Redskins. I think Spikes would’ve been worth keeping, and you can’t deny Williams walking crippled the dline for years. Anyway, that was a different regime, and since Buddy got here nobody is tearing it up for another team. A 4th for Lee looks about right after the season he’s had. I’m confident they will sign Steve to a fair deal in a month or so.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
by hoosier3 on Dec 30, 2011 12:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I can’t agree with you on Fletcher. He’s been nothing but productive his entire career. Spikes has never been the same since his injury. The team was wise to let Clements leave. Losing Williams was perhaps the worst front office move the Bills made since uncerimoniously dumping Smith, Reed and Thomas.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
Fletcher is still playing at a high level and it doesn’t matter if the D plays 3/4 or a 4/3,. Clements was an above average CB but he was never a shut-down CB. I think his agent started that rumor and parlayed that into a hugh contract…
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
Has Stevie already left? I think it's a bit premature for these generalizations.
Yet, he seems to be perpetuating it
Considering he’s already given the following players extensions
George Wilson
Shawne Merriman
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Eric Pears
I’d say that’s a pretty good job so far of retaining talent, unless you are really upset about losing Poz to that insane contract he got.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
nope…could care less about Poz (the player). I do not see the “talent” in the names your list…They are all discards/backups/fringe players from elsewhere. They are “our” starters because we have no talent.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
I wouldnt describe George Wilson as a backup or fringe player. Dude can ball and plenty of teams would love to have him as their starting safety.
STAN UP MY BUFFALO NATION OUR DESTINY AWAITS AND WE WILL GO TO THE END OF THE LAND AND FIGHT FOR ALL THATS BEEN DENIED TO US - abayarde, who else?
It's true that they are fringe players, but they are also the most talented players that the Bills have been in position to lose since Nix took over.
And I forgot to include Kyle Williams of course.
If the Bills don’t re-sign Stevie then I will agree with your sentiment that nothing has changed in regards to keeping real talent here. But, since we haven’t let any real talent, outside of Poz, walk since Nix has started I think it’s too early to say he’s perpetuating our issues.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
It will not require an upfront payment of 20-25 million. The signing bonus on a deal like this would be about 10-12 million (Fitz got 10), plus a reduced first year salary. So if the deal is 5 years, 37 million, about 20-23m would be guaranteed, with 10 of that being the signing bonus, and a first year salary of about 5 million. So actualy first year cash of about 15 million, and an ‘upfront payment’ of just 10 million.
LOL.....rec'd....Nix is getting ready to retire from the Bills and run for congress
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
Guaranteed Money
You have to wonder if the holdup is the guaranteed money not the salary itself. I suppose length could be an issue as well, however considering Steve is so young I don’t think a 5 or 6 year deal would be the problem.
length could be an issue as well
Joe P., where are you? ;-)
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Dec 30, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
I was out blowing snow....TWSS...there, are you happy now :-)
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
Blowing snow sucks…………………
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
yes....and it makes your face go numb....
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
"Blowing snow sucks"........"and it makes your face go numb...."
And your jaw sore?
HEY-YO!
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 30, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Frustrating
If they were willing (as an organization) to pay Lee Evans 9+ million a season, why would they hesitate to pay Johnson his asking price?
It’s all a power trip, if you ask me.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 9:16 AM EST reply actions
That’s the thing – this regime didn’t pay Lee Evans, they traded him. You can’t make the comparison.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
I realized that as I hit post. But isn’t Ralph Wilson a major part of player signings? If so, he was responsible for that figure being approved for Evans.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Sure, but Lee wasn’t exactly earning that paycheck in Buffalo.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 30, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
That’s still mostly irrelevant, as it doesn’t give us any idea what the Bills are willing to pay a receiver.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Apparently it’s 5.5 mil a year for a #1.
That smells a lot like number two to me.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
sorry, my depends sprung a leak.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
If that resulted in a leak, back off the Genny Cream Ale.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
LOL, i wish someone would have informed me at 18 when i first drank a 6 pack of it.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
I think the only reason its not done is because of the hold off until the season is over.
the bills would be moronic to not sign him. he’s young, talented and likes playing in buffalo. I don’t think our front office is that incompetent
by J2 on Dec 30, 2011 9:21 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
I’m not going to say they won’t mess it up until they don’t mess it up.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe we should also not say they are messing it up until they mess it up? this one is gonna be all sound and fury until we know the outcome.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 30, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Fair enough. It’s just not something I feel will get done. They made Poz a priority but at their price. He’s gone. Is Stevie even a priority to them?
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Poz was overrated and not worth the $
As much as I hate watching Stevie drop clutch passes, he makes more than enough good plays to justify his asking price. He’s certainly worth 2x Brad Smith.
Obviously, if the FO can find a better player cheaper, I’m all for it. I don’t have much faith though.
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
That I don’t dispute. At least he was as a Bill. Not sure about with the Jags. No interest in following him now.
My point was that Nix said Poz was their #1 priority and they let him leave over a similar distance in monies.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
I think scheme played a role in that too TAT. he wanted to play in a 4-3
by J2 on Dec 30, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
I never bought that excuse
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
well it was widely reported that was a factor. Plus I can’t fault Nix for not paying Poz $9+ million a year – that’s moronic money for him
by J2 on Dec 30, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
sure it was....what did you expect Poz to say
screw this place….even though I said I liked it here and wanted to stay, I’m really leaving for a butt load of money and a warmer climate?
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
Well Poz really isn’t a good 3-4 LB either – so there’s that part of it
by J2 on Dec 30, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
He had his best season as in Pro last season playing a 3-4 LB
Has he put up better numbers playing with the Jags?
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
he’s young, talented and likes playing in buffalo.
Sounds just like the Pat Williams situation………
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
Didn't realize he was in his early 30's
But he was 7 year pro that went on to play in 3 pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro once after he joined the Vikings… It was a horrible non-resign that cost the Bills plenty down the road.
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
Wow....
Pat Williams was really productive through his 30s, that is rare in the NFL. A 36 year old Pro Bowler.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Dec 30, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
easy
Pat Williams plays a position that requires a lot of eating and not much mobility. He can probably do that until he’s 45.
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
In retirement maybe he can give Joey Chestnut a run for his money…
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
by Goose22 on Dec 30, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
#5 Wide Receiver in 2012
$7.5 million per year would put Stevie 5th on the current list of receivers – ahead of Larry Fitzgerald, Greg ennings, & Anquan Boldin.
Spotrac.com lays out where he might end up next year. http://www.spotrac.com/blog/stevie-johnsons-asking-price/
That’s next year. I’m willing to bet that Fitzgerald is well into a contract and just seeing a reduced rate based on its structure.
And I think Stevie is better than Boldin.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
#15 according to WGR
According to WGR, $7.5M would put Johnson at #15:
http://wgr550.com/CAPACCIO—What-is-Stevie-Johnson-s-Value-/11853951
“Please note these numbers are unofficial, but are as close as I could get comparing several league sources. I’ve included some noteworthy items:
1. Larry Fitzgerald – $16.1M
2. Calvin Johnson – $12.6M (this is his rookie contract and before the rookie slotting system began. He has also hit several escalators)
3. Vincent Jackson – $11.2M (playing under the “franchise tag”)
4. Brandon Marshall – $11.2M
5. Steve Smith – $11M
6. Andre Johnson – $9.3M
7. Greg Jennings – $9.1 – 9.5M
8. Miles Austin – $9M
9. Santonio Holmes – $9M
10. Roddy White – $8.5M
11. Anquan Boldin – $8.3 – 8.5M
12. Lee Evans – $8.25M (this amount is still part of the 4-year contract extension he signed with the Bills in October of 2008)
13. Sidney Rice – $8.2M – (This was the deal Rice signed last offseason as arguably the top free agent WR in last year’s FA class)
14. Darrius Heyward Bey – $7.7M (this is his rookie contract and before the rookie slotting system began)
15. Reggie Wayne – $6.5M
16. Michael Crabtree – $5.7M (this is his rookie contract and before the rookie slotting system began)
17. Devin Hester – $5.5M
18. Donald Driver – $5.1 – 5.5M
19. Nate Burleson – $5M
20. Santana Moss – $5M"
by steve b. on Dec 30, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Especially since it’s still not as high a contract as Evans’s.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
by stetzwebs on Dec 30, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When put in that context
A no brainer? Indeed. Last year, I spent $640 on tickets. If the Bills don’t resign SJ for next season, I will spend zero dollars. Sign him.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Dec 30, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
misleading figures on this list
Only shows “base salary” and not pro-rated signing bonus. That’s why Larry Fitz is so low on this list. WGR’s list is better because it shows average salary over a whole contract (I think).
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
It’s a 7.5 million average. So, the first year of Stevie’s contract would likely be lower than that (unless its frontloaded)
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 31, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Shocking:
Johnson needs just 36 receiving yards on Sunday in New England to become the first receiver in Bills history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
I never realized Reed hadn’t accomplished this.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 9:22 AM EST reply actions
Same here
I thought for sure Reed hit that milestone or Eric Moulds and I thought Elbert “Golden Wheels” Dubenion might have hit during the old AFL days…
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
Thats the first thing that caught my eye.
Very surprising. Neither him, nor Moulds.
Come on Buffalo, please?
If I recall correctly, Kelly’s best year netted him 3600 yards or so. I guess it makes sense. Only today has the NFL become the air show that we all love.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
First thing I thought as well. Seems almost unbelievable, in retrospect.
Leslie Michael Jasper - 2013 All-Pro NT.
by Home Run Throw-up on Dec 30, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Comparison of those guys targets/catches/drops vs salary
Name Targets Catches Drops Salary
Lee Evans 25 4 1 8.25
Larry Fitzgerald 136 71 2 16.1
Miles Austin 68 41 2 9
Sidney Rice 57 32 2 8.2
Reggie Wayne 121 67 2 6.5
Andre Johnson 149 31 3 9.3
Greg Jennings 99 67 3 9.1
Stevie Johnson 127 72 3 0.5
Santonio Holmes 100 51 4 9
Megatron 141 85 5 12.6
Vince Jackson 110 58 5 11.2
DHB 96 55 5 7.7
Steve Smith 122 73 7 11
Anquan Boldin 106 57 7 8.3
Brandon Marshall 132 76 12 11.2
Roddy White 171 96 13 8.5
by Fanntastic on Dec 30, 2011 9:27 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
thanks for doing that. Great info.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Make sure you thank Howard Simon who posted it on WGR’s website.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
nice data
although the andre johnson one doesn’t look right
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
If you’re going to copy from another website, please cite the source.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
T.O. got $6.5M
Terrell Owens was paid $6.5M for his year in Buffalo. Here are T.O.‘s stats during his year in Buffalo:
55 Rec, 829 yds, 5 TD’s
Here are Johnson stats from the last 2 seasons:
2010
82 Rec, 1073 yds, 10 TD’s
2011
(15 games): 72 Rec, 964 yds, 6 TD’s
Johnson has clearly outplayed T.O. and should be paid. According to WGR, if Johnson got a deal done at $7.5M, that would make him the 15th highest paid WR in the league.
http://wgr550.com/CAPACCIO—What-is-Stevie-Johnson-s-Value-/11853951
Currently, Johnson is 18th in receiving yards (with no real #2 WR to compliment him).
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=0&statisticCategory=RECEIVING&conference=null&season=2011&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=RECEIVING_YARDS&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-n=1
IMO, Johnson is giving the Bills a hometown discount and the Bills would be foolish to let him go. Pay the man already!!
by steve b. on Dec 30, 2011 9:30 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
TO may not have been as good
But he sold tickets. It’s like radio and TV, it isn’t the ratings, it’s how many advertising dollars you bring in.
Still $7.5M is reasonable now that the rookie salary biz is done, git ’er done.
That’s true Rick, but how much in revenue do they lose if Stevie is gone? For some reason, I don’t see the combination of Nelson, Jones, & Smith drawing near the fan/media attention that Stevie does.
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." - Munchausen
by RedStickBillsFan on Dec 30, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
My title got posted twice, but not the body of the message. What I tried to say is that TO sold seats that year, which is the real bottom line as far as management is concerned.
Stevie gives the Bills a really good chance to win games (better than TO did). Winning games puts butts in seats. Its all relative and too complex to hash out completely.
by BillsfanDan on Dec 30, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
Um, no, TO did not sell tickets in Buffalo (nor in Cincinnati the next year).
Look at the attendance the year before and the year he was with the team. It went down.
I believe they sold the most season tickets ever the year they signed Owens. They don’t care about attendance in the front office, just ticket sales.
The players and coaches care about attendance.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
agree
when Ralph said Fitz is their guy but they need to get him more “weapons” what he meant to say was they need to get him a weapon who can sale tickets as well as put butts in the seats. Resigning Stevie then signing soon-to-be FA WR DeSean Jackson would kill 3 birds with one stone. Stevie won’t show Ralph the $ like DeSean Jackson would. OMG I nearly crapped in my draws thinking about the possibility of having those 2 players on the same team, haha
double the WR threat
double the dumb penalties, double the fun. sign me up, although I doubt if DJ would be interested in coming to buffalo
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
The one lure to Buffalo is the competition facing the AFCE.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
doesn't matter...
if he would be interested or not, initially at least. T.O. wasn’t interested initially either I’m assuming but we managed to lure him here somehow. Obviously he and DJ are totally diff stages of their careers but you never know…it could happen
Could happen
But likely won’t. T.O. was definitely not receiving many offers. DeSean is deservedly getting a bad rep for his attitude, but he will certainly be fielding offers from a lot more clubs, competitive ones at that, than T.O. did the year he signed with us. I’ll bet the Patsies, Jets and possibly even the Lions will make him an offer that he would choose over signing with our dear Bills.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
Other than Owens, Johnson has been the one player charasmatic enough to carry this team in the public eye.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
In defense of TO...
He had Trent Edwards trying really hard to not throw him the ball for over 1/3 of that season. You really can’t make a statistical comparison between the two because Johnson has always had Fitz and TO only got Fitz for 9 games. I have a feeling TO’s stat line would look a lot different if he had the benefit of a 2010/2011 Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing to him (not to mention we might not have had to look at the awful WR play of Donald Jones for so much of this season).
That said, I think $7.5 mil/year is more than fair for a player that has shown he can make plays consistently in the NFL. We have players on this team, but not many playmakers. Stevie is a playmaker. I think the Bills should pay him.
Where u guys going to be send. You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk.
-abayarde
by APhoenixDestiny on Dec 30, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks alot for this post
I was just going to look up that to see if Stevie’s demands were outrageous. Seems to me he is willing to be fair with the organization, which is rare. Great locker room guy, well liked by teammates as well as the fans, has no off the field issues. Doesn’t demand contract negotiations, even told them to hold off till after the season so it wouldn’t be a distraction to the team. And he is being Fair and Reasonable? Likes being in Buffalo?!?! Likes the Coaches?!?! All i have to say they need to wrap this up within a week or two after the conclusion of the season!! Period!!
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
$7.5 million is pretty reasonable. He’s a better receiver than Sidney Rice, and now teams are going to have more money with the new TV contract.
I don’t imagine the Bills will let him get to FA (they would tag him to allow them a longer negotiating period), but if they do I’d bet that Johnson gets more than the $7.5 he’s looking for.
Quite possibly
Stevie is the only real top 10 talent at his position on the Bills offence. In addition, he’s still young and improving, unlike most of the top WRs in the game. Losing him, when he obviously wants to play here (and is willing to take a deal that is below market value to do so) would be ludicrous. Look at the stats – he’s top 10 in most categories over the past 2 years.
Letting Stevie walk would basically signal to Bills fans that the enterprise is not interested in winning, its about milking the fan base. A very poor position for a team that is struggling for attendance as it is to be in. Unless there’s a plan to bring in someone comparable through free agency (and not V-Jax either…that would maybe work if the team was competitive, but not now), it makes little sense, either from a business or from a football standpoint to keep drawing this out. Pay the man!
by NoiseIsTheBestRevenge on Dec 30, 2011 10:21 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I agree we really need to sign him
and he’s the best WR we’ve had since at least Moulds.
I would say though that the top 10 talent part is a bit of an exaggeration. The interior of our O-line looked amazing before (and occasionally after) the Wood injury, so I’d consider Wood and Levitre as potential top-10s, as well as Freddy. And if Kyle Williams were listed as a 4-3 DT rather than a 3-4 NT he’s probably top-10 as well.
by the landriest on Dec 30, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
I was going to post on this thread
But your post has effectively spoken for me.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
Please tell me the Bills won't be
“Penny Wise but Pound Foolish”… But that seems to be their “Modus operandi”!!
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
pay the man
that is all.
Check out http://mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com/
by Billsdownunder on Dec 30, 2011 11:03 AM EST reply actions
Keep SJ13 in Buffalo campaign on twitter is pretty cool.
A bunch of players were retweeting it yesterday.
Come on Buffalo, please?
This story.....
Just adds to the, “Ralph Wilson doesn’t give two-rutabagas about winning” theorists.
I figured johnson was high-balling them. Given the thin ice season ticket holders are standing on I didn’t think they would be cheap with one of our few good players.
And the article sez they were two-million apart?
If I was a season-ticket holder and knew for a fact this story is true (granted, hard to do) I would not renew.
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Because something was speculated by an unnamed source a few months before free agency even started?
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
The thing that concerns me, though, is that the closer it gets to free agency, the more likely that Johnson’s agent convinces him to test the market (which will make 7.5 million look pretty awesome). I also think franchising him would be a great move, but when is the last time this team actually used the franchise tag? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 31, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Nate Clements is the last one I remember.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 1, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
What do you suppose the odds are that Fitzpatrick does all he can to get Stevie some good numbers to close the year and use as fuel for a contract?
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 11:50 AM EST reply actions
Yup........
Fitz is going to be targeting him all day long.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 30, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
if they dont do this,
Then they better be willing to pay more and get V. Jackson.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Dec 30, 2011 12:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
This is foolish.
This should be done in the next 2 weeks. He is clearly worth the money. I cannot see it not being done.
You are now Watching The Throne.
Color me furious.
Nix is officially an idiot of the first order.
Here are the numbers on a 4 year deal.
Nix’s 4 year deal: $5.5 million x 4 = $22 million
Johnson’s 4 year deal: $7.5 million x 4 = $30 million
Franchise + 3 years at Nix’s rate: $10 million + ($5.5 million x 3) = $26.5 million
So, even assuming that Johnson would sign a 3 year deal at the rate Nix wants to pay him after being franchised for a year – beyond unlikely – the Bills save a whopping $3.5 million over the 4 years…..or about $900,000 per season. If, instead, Johnson signs a 3 year deal (after being franchised for a season) for $6.5 million – halfway between what Johnson wants and the Bills are offering – the Bills save $500,000 over the 4 years.
Here are the numbers on a 5 year deal.
Nix’s 5 year deal: $5.5 million x 5 = $27.5 million
Johnson’s 5 year deal: $7.5 million x 5 = $37.5 million
Franchise + 4 years at Nix’s rate: $10 million + ($5.5 million x 4) = $32 million
Again, Johnson isn’t going to sign a 4 year deal at Nix’s rate after being franchised but just to look at the numbers, the Bills would save $5.5 million, $1.1 million per season. To look again at the halfway point ($6.5 million), the Bills would pay Johnson $36 million and save a paltry $1.5 million over the 5 years.
At the end of the day Johnson is going to get his $7.5 million and likely even more. After all, there is almost no chance that Johnson will re-sign for less than $7.5 million per season after being tagged for a year. Instead, he’s far more likely to become embittered by the shabby treatment Nix has meted out and refuse to sign at all. The best case would be to franchise him again, boosting his pay for just two seasons to over $20 million….when he’s only asking $30 million for 4 years.
Nix is alienating one of the few really good players on the roster over (relative) peanuts. None of this includes the reality that WRs with Johnson’s productivity are paid even more than Johnson himself is asking. Or that Johnson has proven that he can put up numbers on a divisional foe (Revis) that most teams game plan to avoid.
Fire Nix.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:23 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Jeez, Ron. Johnson isn’t alienated yet; if he was, he wouldn’t still want to be here. Let what happens happen. As I said: we’ve got 10 weeks. There’s still plenty of time for Nix to do said alienating, but there’s also plenty of time to get things done. Business isn’t conducted with the feelings of the other party in mind, and Johnson and his agent know that.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
‘Yet’ is the key word. Listen to Fred Jackson lately? He’s been given the shaft by the team and isn’t happy about it. You’re kidding yourself if you think that doesn’t have an impact on negotiations. Jackson and Johnson could make any roster in the league as free agents and they know that Nix knows it. Being strong armed into a deal (via franchise tag) creates real resentment—a barrier to getting a long term deal done.
If your story is correct then, yes, Nix needs to be fired because he is evidently incapable of looking at the financial numbers….let alone the stat line.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nix needs to be fired because he is evidently incapable of looking at the financial numbers
you’re right because he doesn’t do that. Overdorf does that. Not sure that really matters. What does matter is that Nix told Overdorf to negotiate and sign Johnson and that’s what we should focus on. We shouldn’t get all p.o.‘d because it hasn’t happened yet.
It will happen because, as you said, the Bills would be moronic to not sign him.
Yes, it would be moronic not to sign him. History suggests that Buffalo doesn’t always take the wisest course….
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough. My worry is that Nix will let Johnson walk outright and chase Vincent Jackson.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Thats a real possibility.
Or DeSean Jackson.
A) It’s not my story. :)
B) Nobody’s been franchised yet.
C) I don’t claim that negotiations haven’t been impacted, perhaps negatively, by the team’s reported failures with both players thus far. That doesn’t mean the deals are dead, dude – nor does it mean that both players are so frustrated that they’ve already mentally checked out, because they haven’t. These things take time. You may ultimately have very good reason to be this pissed off; I just think you’re jumping the gun by a couple of months.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I may be jumping the gun and I’ll be delighted if Johnson is signed to a long term deal before free agency begins. My dissatisfaction with Nix has been simmering for a while now. This sort of crystalized (for me) that he’s not going to lead the Bills out of the basement. While I’ve seen arguments for giving coaches/front offices 5 years I really don’t want to watch 3 more years of mediocrity unfold like a slow motion train wreck.
I wasn’t referring to these negotiations per se, but rather the ones that follow the use of a franchise tag. Those tend to get ugly….and expensive. Nix’s approach is pennywise and pound foolish.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Before you let the freak-out sink in, consider this: the WGR report quotes Johnson’s agent, cites a few other anonymous agents, and says nothing about sources from the team. Stevie’s agent has, by the tone of this comments section, done a bang-up job of drumming up fan support for his client in this organization. That puts pressure on the front office.
Truth is, we’ve only really got one side of the story, and the details may be skewed. Again: let’s just wait to see how this plays out.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not freaking out so much as just really unhappy with Nix. The numbers aren’t going to change—signing Johnson to a 4 or 5 year deal at the numbers Johnson wants are about the same as dragging this out and going the franchise tag route. Where is the logic in squabbling over no more than $300,000 per season?
Johnson has done a great job of garnering fan support. He’s done it on the field via his productivity and persona as well as off the field by saying all the right things (with the exception of the ‘always been poor’ remark). He’s a face of the franchise type player, kind of like Steve Smith but without the assaults.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
In WGR’s defense, those anonymous sources could very well be from within the Bills’ organization, but revealing them would hinder further stories breaking their way.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Why would sources inside the Bills leak any of this, though? It doesn’t help them at all.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Fred Jackson was paid way more by the Bills than he had to be when he signed his current contract. The team had him over a barrel with the NFL’s rules on free agency and could have had him for way less money. Instead they gave him some semblance of financial security. They did the opposite of giving him the shaft then. (This was before Nix, for the record.)
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Jackson was an ERFA if I remember right. Because the Bills had him over a barrel he’s now ridiculously underpaid. That it was a different front office (or was it really when you consider the carryover) isn’t likely to make much diffeence to Jackson. He sees ‘The Bills’, not this executive or that one.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
I agree. But he still has a year left on a contract he signed. He can sit out if he wants, I guess. Like Stevie, he has a groundswell of support from the fans.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Calm down
My Crystal ball says a new contract for Johnson is inevitable…
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
After reading this story I have zero faith in Nix. This deal should have been a no brainer.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed....given Ralph's comments about our WRs and Nix low-balling Johnson
I would test the open market if I were Johnson. I hope he gets a huge offer. Then the Bills will have to overpay or lose another talented player. Either way, the Bills will look like fools and they have nobody to blame but themselves.
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
by Joe P. on Dec 30, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t want the Bills to look like fools; I want Johnson signed to a long term deal before he even gets a whiff of free agency.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
I don't want them to look like fools, but they seem to be headed down that path.....a path they have choosen
If Stevie doesn’t test FA, it will be the most selfless act I have seen in the NFL for a long time. #13 will be my next jersey purchase without question.
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
by Joe P. on Dec 30, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
they have been on this path for years ever since they ran off Polin.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
#13 will be my next jersey purchase without question.
Yeah, but for what team if the Bills don’t franchise him or simply sign him to the same deal they could have signed him to back in October?
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
You may be able to get that Stevie jersey on closeout. I know i’ll be buying a Jackson when they f that situation up.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Yah cause we can blame nix for stevie breaking off talks till the season was over. So that talks were not distracting him. Lets just calm down relax and see what happens. No need to hate nix before anything even happens. The whole five year thing is taken the wrong way imo. Theres a diffrence between packers and ravens. The packers are now considered annual superbowl competitors. The ravens are annual playoff contenders. The plan should be to be a playoff team by year three and contending for a superbowl by five. The common misconception is five years to make playoffs.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Dec 30, 2011 1:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Nix is the stink. At least lately. I’m sorry, but it ’s true.
What great has he brought to the team? Greatness that was hard to unearth, more specifically.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
He paid Williams he paid Fitz…. why the assumption he wont pay Stevie? The only thing waiting did was allow Stevie to make a better case for himself. Front office turnover isn’t going to help this franchise.
Harooo
by Robot Nixon on Dec 30, 2011 12:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If the front office can’t cut deals when they’re going to pay just about as much by going the franchise tag route then firing Nix is addition by subtraction.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
But, they didn’t go the franchise route.
Or not sign Stevie.
Do you really think you have more knowledge of the situation right now than the entire Bills Front Office?
Sure you can have your opinions based on the info that you have heard, but when there is certainly a good amount under wraps, and the end result of a situation still hasn’t come to fruition, its silly to start getting pissed and calling for Nix’s firing.
Can you think of a single good reason not to have signed Johnson to either a 4 or 5 year deal at $7.5 million per year? I can’t. If the team won’t move from $5.5 million and Johnson won’t move from $7.5 million (and they’ve had about 4 months for either or both to move) then there are exactly two options—franchise him or let him walk.
Johnson knows he can get $7.5 million in free agency and likely quite a bit more. While he’s said all the right things (like he wants to stay in Buffalo), there’s no reason for him to sign less than the $7.5 million that Nix has blanched at.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
by Ron From NM on Dec 30, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And
If the WGR report is correct, Johnson’s agent is saying Stevie set the price tag at $7.5 as a “hometown discount” because he wants to stay here. Not that I think he is worthy of top 5 pay, I do see that as a reasonable asking price. Like you guys have been saying, he could’ve started negotiations with a jacked up price like $9-10 mil. I’ll bet though that he re-signs for about exactly what his asking price is. We’ll see though. He hasn’t done anything, other than his Cheddar-Bob TD dance, that would possibly drop his value. And personally, I liked the endzone dance other than it’s bad timing.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
Cheddar Bob TD dance?
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
I’m the movie 8mile a guy called cheddar Bob shot himself in the leg.
by NCblofan on Dec 30, 2011 1:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Gotcha
He seemed to learn from that—didn’t have any stupid penalties afterwards.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
You stopped posting Ron, are you ok, did you have a stroke?
We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electrcity-Munchausen
by cencalclassics on Dec 30, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
That may be the most obscure reference ever.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Why is this not been done yet??
This guy could probably get 8-8.5 from someone else. Unlike most top FA, he wants to be in buffalo and is willing to take less. Ugh buffalo is probably gonna lowball him right into walking.
by NCblofan on Dec 30, 2011 1:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Listen people, this will get done. They know that if it doesn’t get done that fans will go crazy and will lose faith in the team. Believe it or not these people know how to conduct business, they both want to make it happen but sometimes in business it takes longer than you would like – it happens. It’s going to get done.
If we let him go, I’ll stop being a Bills fan. No joke! I’m simply tired and angry of seeing this FO screw everything up. I’m really really mad ad them.
And if it’s a money issue, cut Kelsay and give the money to Stevie.
by rick p on Dec 30, 2011 2:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I hear you, and understand it. Short of them moving, I won’t stop supporting them.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
If that day does come, the Niners likely get my full attention.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t even want to think of a time when the Bills are no longer in Buffalo, leaving NY without a team, but I’d have to either stop watching the NFL altogether or become a Browns or Lions fan. Gotta be a blue-collar type town/football team.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
Boy
everyone is in a hurry to throw the bills FO under the bus today.
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
by mob16151 on Dec 30, 2011 2:43 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Its that time of year.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 30, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
4-12 and 6-10 (likely) over 2 years will do that to a lot of people.
Yes, I know…there was no talent to begin with, it’s a 5 year plan, there were injuries this year, the dog ate my homework…..and, we’re screwed next year too – next year is a leap year.
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
by fansince60 on Dec 30, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Extra day to sleep in before the eve of free agency!
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 30, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Im willing to give Nix and company
as much time as I gave previous regimes.
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
People need to remember that "per year averages" are almost pointless when detailing player contracts. There are so many more important details that make or break a deal including guaranteed money and the first 3 years
If he’s looking at, say a 5 year deal with that average, but has the first 3 years at 9M per season and 20M of the 37.5M total value guaranteed that really changes the picture of what his camp is looking for.
We don’t have these details of course, but with all the contracts that need to worked out we need the Bills to be prudent with the limited cap space we have.
Remember, the Bills have inked 2 new large deals and 1 small deal since the report of our 24M in cap space was reported. There is not an unlimited amount of room to sign these guys.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
by lonestar_ak on Dec 30, 2011 2:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
now now lonestar...
…don’t you be spreading reason and rational around here. :)
rec’d
"WE’RE SUPER FREAKY" – STEVIE J
"I’d rather lose playing to win, then lose being bored out of my mind." - dancam1
by BigBlkGr8Dane on Dec 30, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Time for plan B
I’m kinda serious about this plan B
If we can get 60,000 thousand Bills fans which we easily have and that everyone of us tries to put 10 G together in a year and a half so that we can buy the team from you know who.
Guys we are by far the best Fans of all sports in the world, every year we are patient with the front office, we excuse them, we excuse everybody… It’s time to do something. I’m sick and tired of rooting for them, but it’s not the players fault its the FO specially RW.
We are the joke of the NFL and we deserve to be, because they all know that no matter what we do we are always gonnna screw it up
I can’t undestand why 95% of us fans agree on every decision the FO or the coaches screw up, like for instance:
Letting go Greer, Spikes, Adams, Williams, Price, Peters, giving DJ a contract extension after winning 4 ball games,, and so on and so on
And why does Chan starts the season with Jones as our 2 wr, why Spiller didn’t play the first year and a half, why Spencer still playing LB, why did we give Kelsay that much money? And Fitz?
There are a bunch of moves we all don’t understand, and it’s not like we don’t know about the game
by rick p on Dec 30, 2011 3:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I don't think NFL allows community ownership anymore
Green Bay got grandfathered in
by paythemannow on Dec 30, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
That is correct. It’s not profitable to the owners so they don’t want to let it continue.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Florio on PFT had a good post on how teams could push it a little by selling something similar to their fans……call it tickets to a mass meeting with the GM and a vote on something or other. Buffalo could do it. The question is whether it would just make the organization look bad when – compared to Green Bay – whatever it was didn’t sell very well.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
They would still need a majority owner.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2011 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Sure
He wasn’t talking about selling anything that mattered, just like the Green Bay shares don’t really matter when all is said and done.
How much would anyone pay for some frame ready decorative certificate that entitled you to:
1. Attend a mass team meeting at the stadium and at that meeting:
2. Vote ‘Confidence’ or ‘No Confidence’ in the GM (not that the vote means he’d be retained or fired—just your right to give your opinion to the owner in a concrete way)
3. Vote ‘Confidence’ or ‘No Confidence’ in the coach (not that the vote means he’d be retained or fired—just your right to give your opinion to the owner in a concrete way)
4. Ask a question of a mid-level front office schlub or give your opinion to said slappy (3 hour Q&A session)
5. Get a picture with a Jill (working the crowd—picture for a tip, tips to be shared with some charity on a, say, 60/40 split—during the 3 hour gripe-a-thon)
6. Get priority when purchasing season tickets
7. Get priority when purchasing a luxury box (cough)
There’s nothing ‘ownership’ about it—just a way that the Bills could raise some money and encourage fan involvement so the NFL couldn’t possibly stop it. The question is what that sort of certificate would sell for, how long it would be good for (probably not for life given the selling price) and how many people would buy them……
Would you buy one? For $20? $50? $100? More?
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
If that did happen
we would all want to be the GM though.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
Great idea!! But since the NFL doesn't allow public ownership anymore.........
……… I will jump on the grenade for everyone.
I need 120,000 Bills fans around the globe to each send me $10k. I will then purchase the team and write in blood that I will never move the Bills.
I will blackmail NY State and Erie County for 300 million to improve our mecca of football.
I will resign Stevie.
I will bring in quality free agents.
I will build through quality draft picks.
I will attach a casino, nightclub, and 30 story hotel and connect them all to the stadium.
I will bring industry to Western NY, bringing unemployment down to 4%.
All members of Brumblings get free tickets. (Section 301, sorry-gotta make a profit)
Elect me, SMT, as your new owner in 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 30, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
So would you help me spread the word??
by rick p on Dec 30, 2011 5:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Si’ Senior. Have the Bills players send it out on Twitter.
As I am not fond of these new-fangled commo methods.
:-)
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 30, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
You running for Govenor? Erie County Commishioner? If so my mom might vote for you, she can’t stand either one.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
I suspect that you wouldn’t get a dime out of Albany once they had a copy of your oath not to move the team…..and probably not a dime even if you hadn’t sworn not to move the team. I love the hotel idea, by the way—kind of amazed that no one has done that. Talk about a money making machine! People would check in (at inflated prices) the night before the game and possibly stay the night of the game as well just to not have to screw with parking/getting out of the lots after the game.
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white helmets but seeing them in the practice footage, I've got to say that I love the look.
And when I die.........
……… in my Will I will give the team to the people of Western NY.
The NFL can’t stop that one.
Suck it, God-dell.
The only add-ons to the Will is that they must hire onto the Board of Bills Trustees, my wife, my daughter, her boyfriend, my cousin, my brother in law, my sister, my cat, and my high-school coach Bill Race. Of course, all will be paid high salaries. Nepotism rocks!
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 30, 2011 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
only if you let me run the draft,. Then i’m on board.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 30, 2011 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
Brad smith is getting 5 mil a season. Why wont they resign Stevie for 7.5?
by billsstein on Dec 30, 2011 4:51 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
We would select a GM
And an owner that knows about the sport… Wouldnt it be nice??
by rick p on Dec 30, 2011 5:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Fair price. Pay the man and lets start building a winner
"They’re a very special group of men. Cherish them, you will not see their like again."
by chaucer on Dec 30, 2011 8:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If they don't pay him
I will off myself. Always lays it on the line and actually likes Buffalo and the fans.
"Steve-o" Johnson....
hi guys…
so ive made several pie charts of statistis n ive discovered he would be a bust to sign for 7.5 Mi!!!
Hes only rushed 40 yards this season n theyd be way better off with a different wide reciever…
“Even Julius Peppers would be a better wide reciever than Stevie Johnson”- Buffalo Rumblings
K thanx guys hope i helped
I’m going to assume that the time of this posting has something to do with why I have no idea what any of it means…..
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 31, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
maybe he likes pie charts
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Dec 31, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
very very simple
JUST PAY STEVIE RIGHT NOW!!! ARE U KIDDING ME NIX? ARE U SERIOUS? I cant understand why not pay him.
by Fernando brazil on Dec 31, 2011 10:38 AM EST reply actions
Deal!
I don’t know if 7.5 is an effort at a “current team discount”, but it’s an extremely fair offer from Johnson. Take it!
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
PAY HIM HE DESERVES IT
he deserves to get payed definetly proved it against revis when he tore him up only thing he lacks is he tends to drop critical passes,but is prob one of the best route runners in the nfl,
its gonna be intresting to see what happens with fred jacksons contract only prob i have is he is gonna want big money but is already old dosent have probably more than 3 to 5 years left in the league plus the injury he just suffered and the fact that spiller is getting mad money already and has proven he can do the job,i thikn they will sign stevie would be stupid not to considering we have plenty of cap space cuz we didint pick anybody up during fre agency
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