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:
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:
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.