Free Agent Focus: Bryant Johnson
Position: WR
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 213
College: Penn State
Years Pro / Age: 5 /26
Overview: Bryant Johnson is a player who has been overshadowed the past few seasons by fellow teammates Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Up to this point in his career he’s been a solid #3 receiver. Is he ready to take the next step and become the go-to-guy?
Scouting Report: The former 17th overall pick in the 2003 draft has really developed into an excellent deep threat the past few seasons. Johnson possesses a rare combination of size and breakaway speed that teams will covet. He was more a possession receiver his first few years in the league but broke out as a deep-ball threat in 2006 when he amassed 740 receiving yards and was 3rd in the NFL with an 18.5 yards-per-catch average. Johnson possesses excellent hands and is quick in and out of cuts and at the top of his routes. Teams may be hesitant though on paying him top receiver money, wary of the fact that he may have just been the beneficiary of playing with two top receivers.
Recommendation: At 6’3″, 213 lbs Johnson has the body of a traditional #1 receiver. He would be an ideal fit and complement to Coles and Cotchery, however the question remains, is he willing to remain a #3 or will he demand to be the featured guy and in turn, the “moolah” to go along with it? He’s a good fit for the Jets, but only if the price is right.
5 Responses to Free Agent Focus: Bryant Johnson
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JustAGreenGuy says:
We might be in need of a#1 or #2 WR if we lose Coles and depending on how you view Cotchery. The opportunity we might present to him and the chance to prove himself might save us a couple bucks. We could use his talents, but probably not his salary.
What is taking free agency so long?
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I like him, I have no idea how many teams are in the market for a free agent WR, but the available pool is so ridiculously thin, that we will surely be oubid by someone who seriously needs it. But, I like him, he handled a weird situation in Arizona pretty well.
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Harvlis says:
I saw that Derek Anderson might not sign with Cleveland. If someone picks him up, they would have to give Cleveland a number 1 and a 3. Cleveland needs defensive help. They would also need a veteran QB, if they lose Anderson. Can the Jets work a sign and trade deal with Anderson where, Cleveland gets players instead of picks?
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Bent says: It’s not possible and I don’t think the Browns would be interested anyway because they lack the cap space to take on additional salary.
I guess they could sign him and then trade the players to other teams to recoup the picks they will lose? Best I can come up with.
Me and a friend came up with this scenario today where Parcells trades the first pick and Ted Ginn for Brady Quinn and the Browns first rounder. Could never happen because the Browns have Cribbs so wouldn’t want Ginn and also couldn’t afford to pay the number one, but it almost worked. That would have been awesome.
This is hillarious:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=neumann/080228&sportCat=nfl&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos1
Its also cool that I am only 23 and remember 99% of everything in here like it was yesterday. Pretty glad the colts arent in the AFC east anymore – the only good thing to come from expansion.
On Johnson – I think hes a very good player, good hands, physical presence, good speed. I always seem to pick him up on my fantasy roster so I have been keeping an eye on him over the past two years and I have been impressed with him and always wondered why they didnt throw to him more. When he got the opportunity (when boldin was hurt) he played real well. I dont think he’s worth top dollar but if he could be gotten at a decent price I would agree with the move.