After being released, a possible reunion between the Buffalo Bills and Stevie Johnson is looming.
The Buffalo Bills are desperate for wide receiver help this offseason. One more option became available Tuesday and it just so happens to be a familiar name — former fan favorite Stevie Johnson.
The Los Angeles Chargers released the veteran wide receiver Tuesday morning, along with offensive tackle D.J. Fluker and cornerback Brandon Flowers.
"“Parting ways with men I’ve gotten to know and respect is the toughest part of this job,” Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a press release. “I wish D.J., Brandon, Stevie and their families all the best in the future.”"
While racking up great success in Buffalo, Johnson has struggled since he was traded from the Bills before the 2014 season.
After one year with the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in just 13 games and finding the end zone three times, Johnson went to San Diego, where he has spent the last two seasons. However, the wide receiver appeared in just 10 games in 2015, once again nagged by injuries, and missed the entire 2016 season after suffering a knee injury in training camp.
Once again a free agent, Johnson will turn 31 in July. While he’s still in his prime, the seventh-round draft choice hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2012, which was also the last time he played in 16 games.
But considering Johnson’s great relationship with the city of Buffalo, and the surrounding area, the fact he’s coming off of a major injury and Buffalo’s dire need for wide receiver help, this is a great time for a reunion.
https://twitter.com/StevieJohnson13/status/839234381105385472
In theory, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Harry Douglas could be a good contract to compare with a potential Johnson deal.
Douglas signed a 3-year, $11.25 million deal with the Titans ahead of the 2015 season. The wideout was two years removed from a 1,000-yard season and was coming off of a year when he played in just six games. So the similarities are there with Johnson.
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The first year of Douglas’ deal provided a cap hit of just $2,283,333 and has gone up incrementally since.
The Buffalo Bills could also offer a prove-it deal to Johnson as well. Something similar to what they offered Percy Harvin midway through the season.
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Harvin was paid $1,717,500 in 2016.
While that deal didn’t work out, a deal for Johnson could.
The Bills currently have $20,753,833 in cap space, according to Over The Cap. A deal for Johnson could come at less than a 10th of that number — and probably even cheaper.
Not to mention, he’s most likely the cheapest option with past sustained production currently on the market.
Due to the tight cap space, the desperate need for wide receiver talent and likely cheap cost, if there was ever time for a Stevie Johnson-Buffalo Bills reunion, this is it.
Especially if the Buffalo Bills are going to go defense in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, which is possible with Stephon Gilmore likely gone and the recent release of Nickell Robey-Coleman.
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What do you think of a possible reunion between Stevie Johnson and the Buffalo Bills?