Report: Bills Hosting Free Agent WR Bryant Johnson

by Brian Galliford on Mar 1, 2008 12:31 PM EST in News Comment 16 comments

NFL Network's Adam Schefter, via Pro Football Talk and several other media outlets, is reporting that the Buffalo Bills will host free agent wide receiver Bryant Johnson (Arizona) today at One Bills Drive. Buried on the Cardinals' depth chart behind Pro Bowlers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, Johnson is considered one of the best receivers available on the market. This is his first visit, though the Chicago Bears have been rumored to show interest as well.

The five-year veteran, along with other free agent wide receivers, are currently waiting on Bears receiver Bernard Berrian to sign a contract, setting the market for this year's free agent receivers. It's been reported, but not confirmed, that Johnson is looking for a contract that will pay him between five and six million dollars per year with $8 million in guarantees. Berrian's contract is expected to be a bit larger - an expectation that likely will manifest, considering he's expected to visit the philanthropic Oakland Raiders this weekend.

Update [2008-3-1 18:16:5 by Brian Galliford]: Berrian has signed with the Vikings: 6 years, $42 million, $23 million in the first three years of the deal. End Update

The 6'3", 216-pound Johnson has the size that the Bills are looking to add to their receiving corps, and would bring a new dimension to Buffalo's offense. The Bills are also reportedly interested in former Broncos WR Javon Walker, who was released yesterday.

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Get Him

Lets go Bills, dont let this one get away.

by StuckInNJ on Mar 1, 2008 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I could deal with his signing

5 year $25M with $7-8M guaranteed is ok because we need help there.

His signing would really reduce the need for a WR in the first 2 rounds, which would help.

We've just got to start getting some starters in here....

by Kurupt on Mar 1, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Don't let him leave. He is a first round talent that has not had a chance to shine. I say we give him 4-5 million a year and the 7-8 million guaranteed. He also played in the Big Ten which is not a huge deal but he has experience playing in the cold and snow.

I believe that the Bears will be desperate to get a receiver because they lost Berrian... so I am sure he will get what he wants from the Bears. We need to get him signed and we can then get a DT and TE or DT and CB in the first two rounds.

Johnson will be a long term solution for our #2 WR need. Unlike all the other FA WR, he has never received a chance to be a #1 or #2 WR. This will allow us to cross off a project rookie WR to at least the 4th or 5th round (he must be able to play special teams i.e. Jody Nelson).

by hilliarddavid on Mar 1, 2008 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i like johnson...

but i think they can play hard ball and get him for less then $5-6 million a year. $4 million a year seems fair to me. Something like 5 years, $20 million with $6 million guaranteed. I'd be happy with that, and Johnson should too.

I think Johnson wants to be a starter more then he cares about the money. Just speculating, but I think 5 years behind Fitz and Boldin would do that do a man...

If I had a preference, I think I would take Walker over Johnson. Walker would be a good bridge between him and a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick.

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 1, 2008 12:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i'd much rather have

johnson than walker. Walker's injury history and ego are something I don't want in Buffalo.

I have no problem giving him $8 million guaranteed. Sign him to a 4-5 year deal. You can always cut him in year 3 or 4.

He is so athletic, and talented, that like I said if the coaches think he can be motivated he is so worth it. Plus he went to Penn St. so, I think he would like being close to home.

Got to get him. You add him and Troupe and then grab a WR in round 2 or 3 to develop, and then you have some legite weapons.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 1, 2008 12:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Actually

He did go to Penn St. but he's from Baltimore, so I'm not sure he would be all that close to home, but Buffalo is still closer to Maryland then Arizona is.

Got to get him. You add him and Troupe and then grab a WR in round 2 or 3 to develop, and then you have some legite weapons.

I agree with that completely.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 1, 2008 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You beat me on that one.

I was going to say the same thing....

by krytime on Mar 2, 2008 1:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson

disappointed when given chances this year. He dropped some passes and had some trouble getting open. I am not saying we should avoid him, considering our situation but I'm not going to expect much if he ends up here.

Where's the DJ Hackett rumors? I thought we had interest in him too.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 1, 2008 1:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

you gotta think

he is just looking for a payday. I mean he wants to feel wanted, which obviously he is in Buffalo, because all we have is EVANS. And to be honest, I'm not so sure Evans is a legit #1 but that is an argument for another day.

Got to add a guy that can get open on his own and open it up for Lee. Lee can't beat double teams. We need more weapons for sure. Gotta add a FA WR and TE and then draft a WR and TE after filling needs of D-line first.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 1, 2008 1:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Do not let

Johnson leave town without getting his signature on a contract. He is a better option than Porter, or Wilford anyways.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 1, 2008 1:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And do it quick

If you wait to long and the Raiders and crazy Al offer Berrian a contract the price for Johnson will probably go up.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 1, 2008 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Great point

We all know that crazy al will do whatever he deems reasonable to sign a guy he wants, look at his huge signing the other day, and that was for Kelly, I could imagine what he would pay Berrian...ouch!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 1, 2008 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he will wait till berrian signs

Johnson will wait to see what the market pays out for Bernard Berrian. Then he and Stallworth, Hackett will go quick. My best guess is that all of these players are to rich for the Bills Front office. They are just teasing us. Saving face, while misleaqding the faithfull that they are egenerous. Look for the Bills to look elsewhere in Free agency and sign other less known players. Blame it on the ecoonmy!@

jimmy

by sabreonekenobi on Mar 1, 2008 1:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure

I don't think the front office would waste it's time bringing in a guy they have no intention of signing, simply to appease the public. I would think that they have a list of guys who they are targeting, and wouldn't waste their time talking to anybody they don't think is worth it.

You could very well be right about him not signing until Berrian does. Does anybody know if he has any visits scheduled for today?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 1, 2008 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Marv

that was a quick answer. Hey by the way I just got my Johan jersey, looks sweet.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 1, 2008 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

vikings

will nab berrian today. I live in minnesota country and reports are that Berrian will sign this afternoon. He stayed the night in minnesota despite reports that he went to Oakland.

So, They are expected to give him $13-16 million guaranteed. Something like 4 years 28 million. A ton of money!

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 1, 2008 1:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs