Johnson Speaks with Titans; Other Bills FA Notes

by Brian Galliford on Mar 12, 2008 7:21 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

Here's hoping I cover Bryant Johnson like Brian Fantana covers pandas.

"Bryant Watch!" Anchorman is a pretty polarizing movie - some love it, some hate it - but my daily updates on Bryant Johnson have me feeling a bit like Brian Fantana himself. What's happening with Johnson today? Well, he's still not signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Yesterday, the Nashville Tennessean reported that Johnson's agent was speaking with the Titans. No visit has yet been planned to Nashville (as far as we can tell), so Buffalo remains the only destination that the free agent wideout has traveled to in person. Johnson may have been proving that there was a market for his services outside of Buffalo; that's fine, considering the Bills were proving that there are other options for themselves as well.

Johnson is turning into the 2008 version of Donte' Stallworth circa 2007. Last off-season, Stallworth was considered to be the top free agent wideouot on the market after a solid season with Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia. Stallworth then sat on the market for a couple of weeks with barely a sniff of interest before signing what was essentially a one-year "prove it" (as it's been called) with the Patriots. Johnson's in the same boat - unproven wideout with lots of potential, but nobody wants him to start yet, other than the Bills and perhaps two to three other teams. Whether Johnson gambles himself on a "prove it" contract like Stallworth's Patriots deal remains to be seen.

The Bills aren't sitting idle any longer on the free agent front. They're set to host free agent cornerback William James today at One Bills Drive. James, once named Will Peterson, was a star rookie for the New York Giants before injuries derailed his career a bit. He left New York, changed his name to William James and signed with the Eagles, where he spent two years working nickel and dime packages for Jim Johnson. He's still only 28, and would provide good competition for Buffalo's young cornerbacks, specifically Ashton Youboty.

It's also possible that the team is looking at James as a safety. At 6'0" and 200 pounds, James h as the size to play any position in the secondary, and his legs may not be what they once were. By all accounts he's a strong tackler, and he has six career interceptions playing corner. It's just a thought, but James could play the "swing" position in this defensive backfield.

One final note: reserve linebacker and unrestricted free agent Josh Stamer met with the Titans yesterday. The chances of Stamer returning to Buffalo are remote, and it's nice to see a hard-working guy like Stamer - who was an excellent special teams player in Buffalo - get a shot to continue his career. The Titans will have found themselves a solid addition if he signs there.

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Buccaneers

The Bucs are still interested in Bryant Johnson even though they signed Antonio Bryant. I hope we don't let this one slip away but I also hope we don't over spend.

Now, I know this sounds ridiculous but NFL Network was saying now that the Cards are giving Fitz $40 mil over 4 years he is being paid way more than Anquan Boldin who is set to make $2.5 mil next year. They said it is now rumored that because of this the previous buzz about a potential Fitzgerald trade has now turned into a potential Boldin trade. I quote, "Adam Schefter believes the same teams that targeted Fitz in trades could now pursue Boldin".

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Mar 12, 2008 9:36 AM EDT reply actions

Boldin trade

If that is true, I would say count the Bills out. The Eagles were offering Lito Sheppard and a second rounder for Fitzgerald. Boldin would generate the same kind of offer, and that trumps anything the Bills SHOULD give up. If a first would get it done I would have to consider it (If they are going to use the first on a receiver anyway, why not.)

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 12, 2008 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

hey.

i sweat jeremy shockey. anyone else sweating jeremy shockey?

and hilarious scene.

i don't know a single moron that doesn't like that movie.

by sri on Mar 12, 2008 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

Not really

Not saying Shockey wouldn't be a good addition, I just don't think there's any chance the Giants trade him. Yet.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Mar 12, 2008 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Johnson as Panda

I like the analogy. With all of the "Johnsons" (pun intended) being dangled in front of the Bills this season, maybe the front office thinks we have already signed enough of them. Maybe we should call Byrant Johnson "Panda". Maybe the rise in interest in Panda will stiffen the head of the Bills to push deeper into Ralf's pockets for a big wad of cash. Giving Panda a big contract should satisfy his inferiority complex, because clearly size does matter in the NFL. It is now up the Bills to give Panda the correct stimulation to convince him to plant his seed in Buffalo. It can be done. Just ask Willis MaGhee.

On a more serious note, the Jets are meeting with Ben Uteck. I hope someone, maybe even the Bills, schedules a visit with Uteck as well. The last thing we need is for the Jets to get a quality TE at a bargain rate. If the Bills are not going to make a run at Uteck, at least drive up the price.

by Joe P. on Mar 12, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

Re: Utecht

Doubtful. We've already signed two free agent tight ends this off-season; we won't bring in another.

Re: Panda (a nickname I'm willing to adopt): Gross.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Mar 12, 2008 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Johnson/Anderson

I can't see why signing two players with 0 catches between them last year would block any additions to the TE stable. All and all though, I'd rather grab one in Round 2-3 and roll dice in a gamble to land an elite one...as far as Johnson and Rashied Davis go, I don't think Buffalo could seriously look at Davis (5'9") as another option in the now likely event that they pass on Johnson and vice versa. Davis is a slot player, would provided competition for ol' #82 and his alligator arms/fear ofthe end zone, and would enable us to draft just 1 WR high rather than 2. He's worth signing, but it's not contingent on Bryant Johnson, who they feel would allow them to pass on a WR at #11 (w/ Johnson, I agree) and in the 2nd round (I disagree- w/ Johnson, I'd still want a WR here).

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Mar 12, 2008 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Utecht is not.....

A major TE talent. He is nothing more then a product of the Colts system. He has no speed, and is only a decent blocker. Yes, he has good hands, but doesn't this sound just like Courtney Anderson? I do agree with the driving up the price idea though.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

The Utecht equation

Gonzalez is > Utecht
Utecht is > Royal
Royal is > Anderson
Anderson is ......tall?

Maybe you can explain to me how Utecht is a product of the Cots system. In 2007, he had 31 receptions for 364 yds, but accounted for 20 1st downs (stats from Yahoo Sports)! You don't have to be fast to move the chains. I think the Bills offense could have used 20 more 1st downs last year!!!

by Joe P. on Mar 12, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Real interested

in seeing what this agent for Johnson, Joe Segal is up to. He says the Bucs are interested still in B. Johnson, Drew Carter, and Ju. McCareins

I need to move on from this stupid guy! Enough! Lets get this over with and start focusing in on the draft. Some 46 days away

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 12, 2008 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

My gut tells me

It's almost lunch and I'm hungry...No wait thats not it.

The other thing my gut tells me is that Johnson goes elsewhere and the Bills end up with McCareins.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 12, 2008 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

That gut feeling...

Of yours that I know frustrates you, actually makes me happy. I like McCareins, and I know that not many people here agree with me, but I think he would be a solid addition. He is still relatively young and definitely has the size.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I will say this

I like McCareins better than Drew Carter, but thats not saying much. McCareins has a serious case of the dropsies, but he could possibly help.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 12, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

I think that

He got a bum deal under Mangini, McCareins was a very solid threat (especially redzone) under Herm Edwards. I could live with signing McCareins and drafting Jordy Nelson in the 3rd!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Are you freaking kidding me?

Yesterday, you and I couldn't even agree on whether or not the sky is blue. Today, we're both in agreement on Utech and McCareins.

Ben is incredibly slow. You could watch "Anchor Man" twice in the amount of time it takes him to run the 100 yard dash.

I like McCareins as well. I've been kind of surprised no one has really taken a hard look at him, especially at OBD.

by krytime on Mar 12, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Wait a minute

Does this mean the lumberjack match is off?

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 12, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Man my head is spinning now...

Whats up? At least I know that I don't need to bring an offense book to class..eh? Now when you finally see the light regarding defense...we'd be all good! I would like us to at least take a look at McCareins, I mean I am so sick of this "panda watch" wait on Johnson, I would like to sign him, but seriously...Its like we are waiting on the second coming of the great Andre Reed.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Cap space for 32 teams

Published today by Jason Cole at Yahoo Sports:

"The following is a list of the maximum amount of money each of the NFL teams has remaining to spend under the salary cap. Figures are as of last Thursday.

Tampa Bay $42.8 million
New Orleans $31.1 million
Kansas City $30.0 million
Tennessee $27.2 million
Buffalo $26.6 million
Jacksonville $26.2 million
Green Bay $24.4 million
Chicago $22.5 million
Miami $21.0 million
San Diego $18.7 million
Minnesota $18.6 million
Houston $15.6 million
Denver $15.2 million
San Francisco $15.0 million
St. Louis $14.6 million
Philadelphia $13.9 million
Cincinnati $13.3 million
Atlanta $12.5 million
Cleveland $12.0 million
New York Giants $11.1 million
New England $10.8 million
Seattle $9.1 million
Carolina $8.3 million
Washington $7.7 million
Indianapolis $7.6 million
Oakland $6.4 million
Baltimore $4.7 million
New York Jets $4.5 million
Detroit $4.4 million
Dallas $3.9 million
Pittsburgh $1.3 million
Arizona $310,078"

Bills are sitting pretty, at least in this regard. Might even re-sign Lee Evans, if he wanted to stay.

by No Longer Doomed to be a Bills Fan on Mar 12, 2008 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Poor Tampa

Is it fair to say the FA market has just about dried up now? All that cap space and no where to spend it!

by Zumone on Mar 12, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

But

two of the teams ahead of us that want Johnson have more to spend its not like were bidding against arizona

Do I miss Richie Lucas Bills fan in PA

by Bills fan in PA on Mar 12, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Utech and McCareins

You two guys. Talking about Utech and McCareins. If they come to Buffalo they might as well live with Courtney Anderson and Teyo Johnson cuz they all are a bunch of below-average pieces of garbage.

I think we should all take a week off, wait for the panda (B. Johnson) to sign with a team and then come back and start talking draft for the next 6 weeks. Cuz this damn thing is really messing up my universe. Joe Segal and B. Johnson need to sign the dotted line and move on with there lives.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 12, 2008 12:15 PM EDT reply actions

Ha

"Pieces of garbage" is harsh - those guys wouldn't have a big impact, but they wouldn't be wasted signings, either. I don't think either happens.

I'm really starting to like this Panda nickname.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Mar 12, 2008 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

pieces of garbage is harsh, but I mean adding those guys around are already mediocre WR and TE core is not going to help much. I have no problem adding them on cheap deals and drafting some rookies and then let them all compete in camp and if you cut some veterans, then you cut some veterans. But, in all reality guys like Utech and McCareins are only going to make significant on really good teams where they are seldom utilized. With a 2nd year signal caller, I don't think those guys help us out much. Rather focus on extending Evans, gettin the Panda to sign, and see what happens in the draft. I mean, the last couple years Modrak and co. have surprised us, I'm sure they will gain this year.

I hope Dwayne Wright contributes this year. That would be nice if he turned into a legit weapon

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 12, 2008 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

Where did I say...

That I would be pro paying McCareins big money? And when did I say that if we signed Justin McCareins we would not need to draft one? I did not say either of those things, what I said was I think that we should give him a look, he has had productive years in this league, he is a big WR and is young. I guess we can give this a break, I mean I will just wait for your daily Bryant Johnson has signed post...MARVelous!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I Agree With MARVelous

There's no point in bringing in mediocracy. Josh is not bad. Roscoe is Roscoe. He's not consistent, but he has big play potential. For me it's Bryant AND draft (2nd or 3rd rd). If no Bryant, then 1st and 4th round. I'd prefer corner in 1st.

Keep JP. There's a 100% chance the #2 will play and I'd rather him than anything else out there. You have to play it one year at a time and we need to win in 2008.

by MrFurious on Mar 12, 2008 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

you do not agree..

With Marvelous if you say first round WR, I think that is the only thing we all agree on.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

My bad

I guess you do agree with MARV but sorry, youboth are wrong!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Mar 12, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

My bad

I wasn't trying in insinuate you said that we should sign McCareins to big money or not get anything else. I just found it funny and ridiculous that you guys were talking so much about two guys in Utech and McCareins that I think define mediocrity in the NFL.

And yes, I will continue to post false reports on the PANDA until he finally signs, because now B. Johnson is my nemesis and everyday he keeps me waiting, I get closer and closer to losing my mind.

I happen to think McCareins is a waste and a pile and after being in the league for 7 years he has had ample time to prove his worth and he just isn't a big play guy which is what we are looking for. We are looking for a Touchdown maker. McCareins has 3 TD's in the last 3 years.

While some will say we might should be skeptical of overpaying for B. Johnson, my point is the TALENT on the offense is so poor, we need to add quality guys to upgrade talent overall. We have money, we have a dire need, I just don't get it. When taking a WR in the first round, as OBD knows, is a complete wait and see, and great likelihood of producing a BUST like Rashaun Woods or Mike Williams.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 12, 2008 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

no touchdown maker

Johnson scored two touchdowns last year and that's higher than his career average for a season. Also, his longest catch was 30 yards with a 11.5 ypc average. This came on a team that threw the ball a lot and boldin missed a lot of games last year with a hip injury.

by jj24 on Mar 12, 2008 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

No more WR's

It seems that none of these names that come up as free agent possibilities at WR are worth putting in our #2 spot and that's our need. Let's just forget about them. If the Bills sign a WR, fine. But let's not pretend they gonna catch 60+ passes for 700+ and 5+ touchdowns because that's a larf. We have Evans, Reed, Parrish, Jenkins, and whatever two rookies we draft and that's fine. Besides, using Lynch and Jackson outside is an option, and we have tight ends that can line up in the slot, too.

by jj24 on Mar 12, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

and it all hinges on

Trent anyway. If he can't be consistent and come out each week and read defenses it won't help the pass catchers. but the WR's and Te's also have to do there job and be on the same page. If Evans, Reed and Roscoe all improve and we add a mid-round rookie that can contribute, along with Trent leading the offense we would be ok. But that is banking on a lot of things to think you could be happy with our CURRENT scat-WR's and unproven TE's. Sure Johnson was on a passing team, but he was the 3rd option and has plenty left in the tank.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 12, 2008 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

true about trent

Especially in the cold weather games. He looked weak not to mention unaware at times. JP can't read defenses well so I'm not too optimistic about the QB scene. There's just not a really a signficant upgrade to be had with what's left on the market at wr or te. Sure, Johnson was a former round 1 pick from Penn State with lots of hype who had one quality year for Arizona. What do you think his ceiling is for potential with Buffalo?

by jj24 on Mar 12, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

i guess it comes down to....

crappy luck for the Bills that we have complete uncertainty on what we get in the passing game with the weak free agents remaining and the gamble of drafting wr's and te's at #12 or #41. Typically linemen and front seven defensive players are safer bets with these picks and maybe the Bills are better off building depth that way in the draft. If we take a WR, TE, or CB who knows what we'll really get out of it? But then that makes signing someone like Johnson or Hackett a necessity. But don't sign one of those two and use one of your first two or three picks on WR. The draft sleeper at WR may be Marcus Monk

by jj24 on Mar 12, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

Damn

Damn, Youtube killed the video. That was a funny scene, and Panda is a great name for Johnson.

I loved what the team did during FA for the defense. I think we got some great guys. But this team is in such desperate need of offensive production, I just cant see us fixing it all through the draft.

As someone else said, we have the need, we have the money, unless his demand is really over the top, might have to just hold our nose on this one and bite.

by Thronsen on Mar 13, 2008 4:50 AM EDT reply actions