In a well-publicized press conference with local media on Monday, Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix said that the team had re-opened contractual dialogue with the representation for free agent-to-be receiver Stevie Johnson in the week since the close of the 2011 regular season.
Johnson's agent, however, denies that there has been recent dialogue about a potential contract for the fifth-year wide receiver.
"There have been no talks with Buffalo regarding Stevie's contract since months ago when they made us their 'final' offer," C.J. LaBoy told WKBW's Jeff Russo on Monday evening.
LaBoy's emphasis of the word "final" seems to suggest that the Bills cut off negotiations mid-season, while Nix said that it was Johnson's wish to temporarily end negotiations so that he could focus on the season. LaBoy, however, told WGR 550 almost two weeks ago that it was Johnson's wish to suspend negotiations after the team made another proposal following Ryan Fitzpatrick's extension. It appears to be something the two sides agreed upon mutually.
Johnson won't be a free agent for another two months, but this is just the latest blurb in an unfolding situation starring two sides that don't seem to be on the same page. What does remain clear, however, is that both sides want to get a deal done.