Monday Update: Still No Confirmation on B. Johnson

by Brian Galliford on Mar 3, 2008 8:18 AM EST in News

Update [2008-3-3 15:12:31 by Brian Galliford]: Another quick update: it's pretty apparent that Johnson really wants to be a Bill. If he's not signed by the end of the day, it's safe to say he's a goner.

Update [2008-3-3 15:4:47 by Brian Galliford]: Another Chris Brown update:

Johnson is speaking with the media in just a few minutes, but it doesn't appear like it's going to be any signing announcement. He's speaking in an auxiliary press room, not in front of any Bills backdrops or anything. We'll have details if he's says anything new about his visit later. ---

From the sounds of it, Johnson will be leaving Buffalo without a contract. Stay tuned for further updates. Also, thanks to Kurupt for reporting, via WGR 550, that former Chargers S Marlon McCree is visiting Bills headquarters today as well.

Update [2008-3-3 12:48:46 by Brian Galliford]: Interesting quote from Johnson, provided by the always-awesome Chris Brown:

"Definitely a potential fit. They need help on the outside. I feel like I can come in and help on the outside. I like the Bills. I used to watch the Bills a lot back when they went to every Super Bowl in the early 90’s. It’s a nice facility, I’m enjoying my tour. I definitely like the town. I look forward to hopefully becoming a Buffalo Bill."

Update [2008-3-3 11:57:2 by Brian Galliford]: Confirmed via text message from the Bills themselves: Bryant Johnson is in Orchard Park today meeting with the Bills. End Update

Though it was reported last night by Channel 4 news in Buffalo that the Buffalo Bills had reached a deal with Cardinals WR Bryant Johnson, no official confirmation has surfaced to this point. WGRZ reports that Johnson flew in to Orchard Park last night, but according to Bills COO Russ Brandon (via WGR 550's morning telecast), Johnson has not yet visited with the club.

Titans free agent tight end Ben Troupe is expected to visit the Bills today as well.

It's entirely possible that the Bills have a tentative contract drawn up and agreed upon and are waiting to speak with Johnson before letting him sign the thing. It's also possible that last night's premature reports - all of which cited the same Sirius NFL Radio report - are just flat-out wrong. What we (think we) know for certain is that Johnson is in Buffalo and will meet with Bills brass today.

The 6'3", 216-pound Johnson, regarded by some as having untapped potential after playing third fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in Arizona, would bring some much needed size to Buffalo's receiving corps. If Johnson leaves Buffalo without a deal, he is expected to meet with the Bears sometime this week.

Troupe, who is expected to meet with the Saints after his visit with the Bills (he's already toured Tampa Bay as well), would fill a need at tight end made more urgent by the defection of Michael Gaines to Detroit. The Bills had been rumored to be interested in re-signing Gaines; his loss means that the Bills have just Robert Royal, Teyo Johnson and Derek Schouman under contract at the position. Look for the team to add at least one, but probably two more players at the position for competition purposes. The team still needs a receiving threat at the position rather badly.

As always, keep it locked in to Buffalo Rumblings throughout the day, as we'll do our very best to keep you as up-to-date as possible on all of the Bills' wheelings and dealings.

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Comments

Still..

Even if we bring in Troupe it is still necessary that we draft a TE. The class is very deep and we can get a receiving threat there, and whoever doesn't pan out, whether it be Troupe or Teyo, or whomever, they will be cut during camp.

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 3, 2008 8:52 AM EST 0 recs

Sad to hear about Gaines.

Gonna miss the big, yet unusually athletic big guy.

by Kumario! on Mar 3, 2008 9:11 AM EST 0 recs

Gaines

Not gonna miss him dropping critical passes.

BEAST MODE

by cooterhooterknocker on Mar 3, 2008 9:32 AM EST 0 recs

TE

We're going to need a guy who can lineup next to the tackles now. Troupe isn't much of a blocker, so if he's signed, we may look to a more well-rounded TE as opposed to a good receiving threat only in the Draft.

I'm kind of surprised the Bills weren't able to get Gaines signed before FA hit. I'm assuming they may have tried and he wanted to try and get more money elsewhere. If so, good for him. If we were simply expecting to be able to resign him, then shame on the Front Office...

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 10:04 AM EST 0 recs

Shame indeed...

While Royal is a blocker, Gaines has great size and in certain situations, he is like a third tackle out there with, as said by others, unusual athletic ability. Furthermore, with more time in camp, his "dropsies" may have been fixed. Too bad. But again, alot of depth in the draft.

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 3, 2008 10:45 AM EST up 0 recs

He got some loot though

I can't say if I think he's worth what he got from Detroit. He wasn't even on a roster when the Bills picked him up. He should be thanking Buffalo for helping him drive up his value...

by krytime on Mar 3, 2008 11:19 AM EST up 0 recs

WR's

I hope we have a deal in place, Free Agency is like College... If they leave without a contract signed, they aren't coming here

by DC Fan on Mar 3, 2008 11:12 AM EST 0 recs

Interesting note

Both Johnson and Troupe have the same agent. I am not sure if this can help us sign both or if it will cause us to get neither one. I think that is why Johnson and Troupe waited on their visit so the agent can discuss both players contracts.

by hilliarddavid on Mar 3, 2008 11:24 AM EST 0 recs

This situation

The whole Bryant Johnson situation is weird and somewhat confusing.

The only report of him signing is from Sirius NFL Radio and even then, nobody seems to have heard it. All the Buffalo stations picked this up as confirmation, along with various websites, yet there is no confirmation anywhere. Now we have Russ Brandon saying he hasn't even seen Bryant Johnson in the building and that he'll be here later today.

This situation confuses the you know what out of me. Is this whole signing deal just an internet rumor? If so, shame on the Buffalo news stations for picking it up. Off with their heads!

I have a somewhat uneasy feeling here. I would not be surprised in any way if Johnson ends up signing with Chicago or whomever. I don't know why Brandon would be going out of his way to say Johnson hasn't even been here.

This is just a weird situation and I hope it gets resolved with Johnson signing a contract today....

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 11:24 AM EST 0 recs

Really weird

Why wait so long to announce the signing if it really happened? And if it didn't where did that rumor come from? hopefully it will all be cleared up by the end of today.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 3, 2008 11:32 AM EST up 0 recs

I agree

I am just as confused. I tend to believe though if it is like the Stroud signing that eventually a confirmation will be made of B. Johnson signing. Maybe his agent is in town hammering out a deal, and B. Johnson is just waiting for confirmation to fly to Buffalo for a press conference? If Crumpler only got a $1 million bonus and $5.25 over 2 years, I assume if they want Troupe they will get him.

I am not too worried about the Johnson deal. Sure, I like him, think he is a freak athletically, and would love to see him in a Bills uniform, but I won't lose sleep if he breaks the bank for someone else.

I read somewhere else today that Malcom Kelly and DeSean Jackson have clearly separated themselves as the top WR's in the draft. I just can't imagine taking either one at #11.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 3, 2008 11:29 AM EST 0 recs

Kelly/Jackson

I doubt they've separated themselves in any way. Not with Jackson measuring in at 5'9", 170 lbs and Kelly not even running the 40 or doing drills yet.

If anything Sweed and Hardy have looked the best of the top WR's in the draft....

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 11:59 AM EST up 0 recs

Actually...

... he's right. I read it too on Rotoworld this morning, something about the "general consensus" being that Kelly and Jackson were the top two wideouts available this year.

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

by Brian Galliford on Mar 3, 2008 12:03 PM EST up 0 recs

Ha

I don't even see how that makes sense...Considering one is vastly undersized and the other hasn't done workouts. I guess this is based on the tapes only? Weird...

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 12:16 PM EST up 0 recs

Just got a text

Looks like there's no truth whatsoever to the signing. The text announced Johnson was in town for a visit today. I doubt that means he's already agreed to a contract, but I could be wrong.

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 11:58 AM EST 0 recs

Perhaps

they reached a verbal agreement with him over the phone and are bringing him in to hash out details and show him around. They have done it before.

by DCRumbler on Mar 3, 2008 12:07 PM EST up 0 recs

Got the same text.

Either way, we have to look at it as a positive step. I'm sure his agent and the Bills brass had to talk parameters of a potential contract before Johnson would hop on a plane. Now I bet it's just going to be getting down to real numbers.

by krytime on Mar 3, 2008 12:08 PM EST up 0 recs

Let's hope so

I don't want to continue much further in the offseason without at least 1 upgrade at WR....

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 12:17 PM EST up 0 recs

I can't

envision them letting him leave the building without a deal unless he just wants berrian money. It'd be interesting to see what it would take to get him.

Kurupt, you can take the Kelly/Jackson as the top 2 WR's with a grain of salt, but from all the research I've done and what I've seen of them I don't disagree with it. Kelly has the frame and work ethic, and Jackson has a unique skill set that separates himself from all other WR's.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 3, 2008 12:17 PM EST 0 recs

The ONLY problem

is if Johnson and his agent think he is a #1 receiver. If he went to Chicago, he would be the Bears #1 and therefor expect #1 money. If his agent thinks it is in his best interest career wise to start out as the Bills #2 and take #2 money. he will not leave Buffalo.

The thing about going to Chicago is that he might get more money, but will he get a chance to develop as a legit NFL receiver. With the uneasy QB situation in Chicago, I don't see Johnson going there and flurishing. He is better off being a extremly successful #2 WR in Buffalo and then see if Evans resigns or a few years down the road he could get more money.

by hilliarddavid on Mar 3, 2008 12:30 PM EST 0 recs

Chicago

I heard Chicago is trying to make Hester their #1, and besides Chicago and Washington no other team is offering him a shot as the #2.

by drew173 on Mar 3, 2008 12:59 PM EST up 0 recs

Buffalo vs. Chicago

You are assuming that Buffalo's pass offense is going to be better than Chicago's and that Edwards is better than Grossman. Chicago's pass offense has been considerably better than Buffalo's the past couple seasons and Grossman is more proven than Edwards.

Free agency is about money and little else anyways. I don't think these guys care about a lable like #1 as much as we think. He wants to start, I'm sure of that. But outside of starting I don't think anything else matters other than money (especially gauranteed money)

by kaisertown on Mar 3, 2008 2:37 PM EST up 0 recs

Johnson

revealed today that he has a meeting with the Redskins after he leaves Buffalo today. That is not good as if Daniel Snyder wants him they will surely overpay to get him.

Hopefully they can sign him and not let him leave buffalo.

This report is according to buffalobills.com

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 3, 2008 12:50 PM EST 0 recs

link

Johnson to visit with Redskins

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 3, 2008 12:51 PM EST 0 recs

Chris Brown report

So Chris said in his report that he has a visit scheduled with the Redskins... that makes me nervous. I don't think we should try and out bid the Redskins for his services. We all know they throw money at people just like the Raiders do. We will wait and see. He could be using his trip to Washington as a bargaining chip to get a little more money out of the Bills.

He is also saying all the right things in his rsponse to Chris... he is either really smart or he is really smart and is going to become a Bill.

His quote to Chris Brown:
"Definitely a potential fit. They need help on the outside. I feel like I can come in and help on the outside. I like the Bills. I used to watch the Bills a lot back when they went to every Super Bowl in the early 90's. It's a nice facility, I'm enjoying my tour. I definitely like the town. I look forward to hopefully becoming a Buffalo Bill."

by hilliarddavid on Mar 3, 2008 12:52 PM EST 0 recs

Ugh

These comments don't increase my confidence that we'll sign him. If he's going to visit Washington and Chicago, I highly doubt he'll be a Bill. At least the words from Johnson's mouth leave hope....enjoying the city and hoping to be a Bill. I just don't see how he signs here if he goes and visits one of those other big city clubs...

We better do everything we can to sign him before he leaves. If he does sign, I guarantee the contract will look ridiculous to us...

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 1:05 PM EST 0 recs

this whole scenario

I am starting to think that Johnson is just making the rounds to drive up the price for his services. He may just be making an appearance in order to get the Redskins and Bears to fight for his services and get a big deal. You know if he shows up and meets with Daniel Snyder he will have no problem giving him the $.

I wonder if old Ralph Wilson has been sending his Jet to pick up these players? Does Ralph have a jet? If we don't get Johnson I don't see us going after Hackett. I think if we don't get Johnson there will be a toss up between WR and CB with pick #11

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 3, 2008 1:11 PM EST 0 recs

Snyder

Despite recent history I don't think we can assume that Snyder will overpay or that we can't outbid him at a reasonable price. For the first time in years the Redskins really can't be aggressive with huge contracts because their cap is in trouble. If Snyder overpays for a player like Johnson, that simply isn't good business. At least the players he used to overpay on in the past were proven starters, I think if we don't sign Johnson its our fault. Don't let him leave Buffalo.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Mar 3, 2008 1:35 PM EST up 0 recs

re: Hackett

Why not Hackett as plan B if the Bill's fail to sign Johnson?

by Zumone on Mar 3, 2008 1:49 PM EST up 0 recs

I hope

I like Hackett better anyways.

by kaisertown on Mar 3, 2008 2:41 PM EST up 0 recs

Because Hackett

Would probably get hurt while actually signing the contract.

by krytime on Mar 3, 2008 3:10 PM EST up 0 recs

Hackett

He'll get a sprained wrist while signing his name.

Hackett is a better playmaker then Johnson, but Johnson has proven that he's nowhere near as fragile as Hackett, and that has to be worth more money.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 3, 2008 3:30 PM EST up 0 recs

It will happen....

It has to. The last couple days have been like a perfect dream (except for the roller coaster feeling in the pit of my stomach while waiting for the Stroud trade to be completed). I couldn't have scripted a better free agency period if I tried. This signing will be the cherry on top of the sunday. We will be heading into this season in better shape than we have in 15 years.

by drew173 on Mar 3, 2008 1:46 PM EST 0 recs

what scares me the most...

is not Snyder's money, but how close DC is to where he grew up (Baltimore, MD).

If the Bills sign Johnson, it will have to be before he leaves today. Go Bills!

John I.

by jri111 on Mar 3, 2008 1:47 PM EST 0 recs

Do not let...

Johnson leave OBD without signing...personally and this is only my gut feeling,but I am expecting a press conference in the next hour or so. If he leaves without a signature he is gone for good, but I feel like there is no need to panic. Hackett is still available and we have filled some needs so I am a little more open to a WR in the first (not much though). I personally think that a guy shows up to OBD in a Navy Blue suit and a red tie, he is wearing Press Conference clothing, I think that he brought the Skins up as leverage, but I really do think he is our newest WR.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP on Mar 3, 2008 2:40 PM EST 0 recs

I love Johnson, but

if we lose him to Chicago (I think that is where he might end up, if he walks from us) don't forget Javon Walker. He is a superstar talent, and maybe available for cheap, given his baggage. He really could be a No.1B WR, and perfect compliment to Evans. Strange that there is no buzz about him so far.

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

I hope...

he signs before he leaves. I would love to see an Evens, Johnson, Parish, Reed, Kelly/Hardy(draft) line up of receivers. Of coarse we might go CB with our first pick if we sign Johnson.

Wood

by rwwrodeo on Mar 3, 2008 3:23 PM EST 0 recs

That's encouraging

the words straight from Johnson's mouth.

He sounds like he really wants to be here and I'd imagine his agent is in negotiations with the front office at this time.

He sounds like a quality guy and anybody who goes out of their way to say they want to be here and want to sign before going anywhere else, is ok in my book. I just hope our offer isn't a slap in the face, though I doubt it would be.

Get it done FO! You're on the clock. If I'm eating my caviar and crab for dinner with no news of Johnson signing, I'll take it as a sign that he isn't going to be a Bill. Make the offer, make it fair, and get him inked!

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 3:24 PM EST 0 recs

Here is what I think

I think there is a lot of deliberating going on between Johnson's agent and the Bills negotiation staff of Overdoff and company. Its gotta be hard when Berrian gets all that money.

Here is the logic that they have to be thinking

they will have to give Lee his money so there isn't a huge circus come training camp of Lee clamoring for a new deal and pissed that an unproven new guy comes in and makes more
If they don't ink him, do they really want to take a WR in round #1 of the draft?
If they don't sign him WHO is out there that they would want? Hackett is not a big physical WR. The talent significantly drops off

GO GET HIM. PAY HIM

I saw on ESPN CALVIN PACE SIGNED WITH JETS FOR 6 years:

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Mar 3, 2008 3:32 PM EST 0 recs

Pace

Rotoworld reports that the Jets are going to pay Pace $42 million for six years, with $22 million guaranteed and a $20 million dollar signing bonus. I'm glad we signed Mitchell for $17 mil. I think Mitchell is a more solid player and the Jets just way overspent.

CB, DLine in FA WR, WLB in Draft

by poz on Mar 3, 2008 3:44 PM EST up 0 recs

Who

haven't the Jets overspent on. They're going to be in worse shape in a couple years than they are now.

by drew173 on Mar 3, 2008 4:09 PM EST up 0 recs

Johnson....

Chris Brown doesn't see anything happening today:

JOHNSON SITUATION: As far as Bryant Johnson's free agent visit went, nothing appears imminent in the way of a contract, at least for today (Monday). Buffalo may not be as quick strike with deals entering phase two of the free agency process.

Sounds like Johnson's going to be heading out of town without a contract. If he leaves, I'm not sure he'll be back....

by Kurupt on Mar 3, 2008 5:42 PM EST 0 recs

Ugh...

Johnson or not, we better have weapons come
june. Between wash and Chi, Buf seems a better fit. Who knows?

The Bills can win every game

by killascript on Mar 3, 2008 6:00 PM EST up 0 recs

Johnson

I dont mind the Bills being careful not to get raked for some huge monster deal. But WR is a huge weakness on this team, and one that will be difficult to address in the draft (at least at the #2 receiver level for the 2008 season).

Id pay up a little extra just to solidify the situation.

by Thronsen on Mar 3, 2008 6:35 PM EST up 0 recs

The only way Johnson isn't a Bill

is if the Bills don't want him. Johnson has expressed twice that he wants to be a Bill, and that he sees himself as a fit. If he leaves, it won't be because of a contract squabble, it'll be because the Bills aren't as interested in signing Johnson at market value as Johnson is in being a Bill. We've been in contact with Walker's agent, and we still hold the 11th pick.

I love Johnson, but I wouldn't get too concerned if he goes on to Washington or Chicago. If we miss out on Walker and fail to draft one of the top options, then I'd get worried.

by Kumario! on Mar 3, 2008 6:37 PM EST 0 recs

Johnson

There could be another reason that Johnson doesn't become a Bill, money. If he asks for a contract similar to Berrian's deal (which would be overpaying him.) The Bills might be more inclined to see if they can't get Hackett or Booker for less. There is no reason to hand out stupid Raider like contracts when there are still plenty of options on the market.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Mar 3, 2008 6:58 PM EST 0 recs

Agree 100%

We have had a great offseason but there is no reason to give away cash to a guy that hasn't proven anything. I really appreciate the fact that he is talking about the Bills so glowingly, but he doesn't deserve huge money. We still have options and we are not desperate.

by RabidBuffalo on Mar 3, 2008 7:37 PM EST up 0 recs

If B. Johnson

has left the auditorium without a contract and Buffalo probably lost him. Move on. There are still other less talented WR's out there. It does change my prespective on how to draft. Buffalo should go for a WR at #11 or trade down in the 1st, all of which depends on the seat you are sitting in on draft day, nonetheless, WR, although a crap shoot in the draft, can and have proven to be effective in their first year. Keyshawn Johnson comes to mind. Calvin didn't do too bad last year. Even if Buffalo could land someone to allegedly take the heat off Evans would be good if not great. Pick up a CB in the second and a TE in the third. Holes filled, problems, maybe, maybe not solved. The entire game is a crap shoot in reality. Look at the Bills last year, they had an unprecedented amount of IR's - 16 - I believe I read somewhere that the league record for IR was 14. Stay healthy, keep the O and D on the field for a suitable amount of time, and we have playmakers. I am sorry to see Gaines and Aiken leave. Aiken was really nothing more than a ST guru and a 5th or 6th receiver. Gaines, on the other hand, I will truly miss. He was picked up off the street in week 2 or 3 and improved every week. I think Detroit got a good deal with him.

by btk0930 on Mar 3, 2008 8:28 PM EST 0 recs

Funny

This comes from Marshawn23 over at the Bills boards. One of the funniest things I have read in a while about the Johnson circus.

Is he in the building? Maybe he's looking for Russ Brandon, or maybe Russ Brandon is not in the building now. Russ stepped outside and Bryant went in another door. Then Bryant stepped out to look for Russ and Russ went inside. I've been saying for years they should cut back on the number of entrances at OBD.

by Thronsen on Mar 3, 2008 11:23 PM EST 0 recs