Thursday, February 16, 2012

Contract talks heat up between Stevie Johnson, Bills

Photo: Matt Britt, Flickr
BY NICK ST. DENIS

Stevie Johnson and the Bills both want to make it work, and they're taking the appropriate steps to do so.

A source told The Buffalo News that Johnson's agent and the team swapped contract proposals during the last week and are expected to meet at the NFL Combine next week.

Monday, Johnson's camp reportedly countered an offer made by the Bills last week.

Getting its No. 1 receiver re-signed has been a priority for Buffalo since the 2011 season came to a close. The Bills still have to figure out what they're going to do with running back Fred Jackson, who still has a year on his contract, but Johnson's situation is more urgent.

The 25-year-old, who is set to become a free agent next month, caught seven touchdown passes last season and amassed 1,004 yards on 76 receptions. He has made a few boneheaded decisions on the field, but the Bills have maintained that they like his attitude.

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