From what I hear, contract talks between the Buffalo Bills and Stevie Johnson—if talks is what you really want to call it, have ranged from going nowhere to non-existent and it now seems imminent the four-year veteran will not be re-signed to an extension before free agency begins.
In a nutshell, it appears certain the real decision facing the Bills is whether to let Johnson test the market in March as an unrestricted free agent or to keep him via the franchise tag for another year. Using the tag would cost Buffalo around $9.4 million for 2012.
Franchise tags can start being designated on February 20. The deadline to use it is March 5. Clearly, there is ample time for the Bills to make that decision.
People I’ve spoken with that have at least some familiarity of Buddy Nix’s mindset tell me the general manager is exceedingly cautious to invest $30 million or more in a long-term deal for the 25-year old with an abundance of talent…but also plenty of habits that worry the front office and coaching staff.
I’m also told that despite popular sentiments, the team believes letting Johnson test free agency wouldn’t automatically mean a departure from the team. The belief is with an extremely rich crop of receivers slated to hit the open market, Johnson may not command the type of deal his camp think he’s worth and if his heart is really in Buffalo, will return to the club with a contract more favorable to the organization.
A plethora of receiving talent available or not, people around the league disagree and feel Johnson’s long gone if he hits the open market.
While my opinion is the Bills will ultimately use the franchise tag on Johnson based mainly on what I originally heard two months ago, one thing I know for certain is owner Ralph Wilson is tremendously adamant about landing at least one new starting wide receiver via free agency as he desperately wants to help protect his investment in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
If the organization decides to let Johnson walk, that number will jump up to two.
I can guarantee that I won’t be the only Bills fan not renewing our season tickets if the Bills do not resign Johnson. I know it sounds crazy, but having one of your best players, and faces of your franchise, walk should push a lot of fans over the edge and show Ralph that we will not settle for mediocrity. Unless they plan on signing V Jax this will piss a lot of fans off
Offer him a deal for about $7M per year with $12-14M guaranteed. Don’t break the bank for Stevie. He is a good WR, but far from great. He is not a true game changer. Plus, if you think he was trouble the past 2 years just wait until he gets paid! He was on his best behavior and look at the boneheaded things he did. This team is a couple of years and a new owner/coach/GM away from anything more than 8 wins…..Cheap old Ralph needs to roll over the $21M in 2011 cap space to 2012. If nothing else, this will increase the value of the franchise when he is gone as the new owner will be able to really spend the first couple of years to upgrade the talent after years of poor moves by old buddy and micro management by Ralph.