2012 NFL Free Agent Watch: Bills, WR Stevie Johnson Not Close to New Deal
By now, it’s common knowledge that the Cleveland Browns are in the market for wide receivers this offseason, and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is a potential target for them in free agency.
As of right now, the good news for the Browns is that, according to a source, Johnson and the Bills are currently “far apart” in contract talks. There is also no indication that the Bills plan on using the franchise tag on him, though that’s just Johnson guessing at this point.
The two sides will continue to talk leading up to the start of free agency on March 13, but it seems likely that Johnson will hit the free agent market.
Johnson had his second-straight 1,000 yard season in 2011, catching 76 passes for 1,004 yards. He is viewed as a risk due to his attitude and on-field antics, but he certainly has to be on the Browns’ radar this offseason. It’s been stressed before, but it’s imperative that the Browns make a splash in free agency when it comes to their receiving corps.