WR Bryant Johnson now a 49er (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Tefertiller]

Either Bryant Johnson severely overestimated his value or he needs to fire his agent. Seriously. I'm sorry but no way can you spin his decision to sign a 1-year deal as anything but misreading the market. And if there were ever a year not to misread the market, it's 2008 given the massive free agent price inflation we've seen.

I don't understand what you are trying to say. What do you mean "misreading the market"? Its not as if you have a choice to become a free agent or not. That's determined byt the contratc you sign x years ago. What would you expect his manager to do? Sign a one year deal or a similar deal for more years? Pont is, we don;t know what the other offers were. And if he didn't get ANY other offers, who's fault is that? How is that misreading or overestimating the market?

I agree with Jason that Johnson played this poorly. In a year without many decent other free agent receivers and few top shelf rookies, Johnson had a chance to take advantage of the situation. He and Hackett. I took all of the jockeying between Johnson (along with his agent) and teams interested as Johnson wanting a long term deal with a ton of guaranteed money. Teams did not think he was worth it and there were no offers to his liking. So, Johnson and his agent went with the philosophy that he can sign a one-year deal and have a breakout year in SF, then get his payday in 2009. But, this is a foolish strategy. The top of the rookie class in 2009 is very, very strong. Also, there will be better WRs in free agency than Berrian, Stallworth, and Hackett (as I never considered Moss a legit FA and assumed he would re-sign in NE). If Johnson would have asked for a reasonable contract covering several years, it is my thought that he would have had a few suitors. But, Johnson was wanting a deal like he was a future star. He is too inconsistent for that, and everyone knew it.

 

[Mikey16x]

Martz isn't big on the TE is he?... sucks that the best physical athlete on the offense is going to be fighting for balls thrown his way.... it's going to suck to watch isaac bruce get more targets.

 

[twistd]

Why did he only sign a one year deal?

Optimistic view is he is willing to sign a one year deal with an opportunity to show off skills in a featured role to get a better contract next year. Willing to fight against DJax, Bruce, Battle, and J Hill to get playing time.

I understand that, but from a business perspective...you get one chance at the "big" payday. I would think he could have set himself up nicely, somewhere.

I think it's definitely a head scratcher. But if he has faith in his ability to move to #1 or #2 in SF, with Martz, it may seem like a good move. Lotta guys to battle with at WR, but I guess it's a good sign that he thinks he can beat out those guys.

Tough for a previous #3 wr to have a chance at a big payday. Its not warranted.

Porter signed a $30 million contract. What has he done? I'd much rather have Bryant Johnson than Porter. I was really hoping the Bears would go after him. But of course we signed Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd, so Bears management doesn't believe we have a need. That is so sad.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I think it's pretty simple, he signed a one year deal because it was the most money he could get.

He's hopeful that he can put up some nice numbers in the Martz passing system, and then cash in next year.

Time will tell.

The question remains, how long with the human pinata behind center last behind that O-line?

 

[twistd]

Either Bryant Johnson severely overestimated his value or he needs to fire his agent. Seriously. I'm sorry but no way can you spin his decision to sign a 1-year deal as anything but misreading the market. And if there were ever a year not to misread the market, it's 2008 given the massive free agent price inflation we've seen.

I agree completely. There are still a lot of teams that need receivers. He could have gone to Tampa, Chicago, Buffalo, Philly, Washington, Tennessee, there are a ton of teams that need receiver help. The only way I see this being smart is if he managed to sign a contract with lots of incentives. But even then he should have gotten some kind of three or four year contract with incentives. It is baffling.

 

[Bri]

Destroys any value Bruce had IMO

 

[cacksman]

As a Seattle fan I was very upset when they traded Djack last year. I would love to have him back in Seattle, but I doubt he would want to come back, give the way he was shipped off.

He'll go anywhere someone is willing to give him a contract at this point. He was never that good and his best days are behind him so it's unlikely that Seattle would even want him back.

He was a very good WR for Seattle, which is why I didnt want him to be traded. Its unclear whether Jackson's best days are behind him because no WR would do well in SF.

 

[BoltBacker]

I think it's pretty simple, he signed a one year deal because it was the most money he could get.

I don't think it's quite that simple. BUF/others probably would have given him slightly more locked into a long deal without guarantees but Johnson thought it wasn't enough and as you say when he shows off his skills someone will offer him what he's worth. I always have a lot of respect for players that are so confident in their ability that they are willing to take the short deal now without guarantees and plan to make you pay the big $'s next year. More power to him. It's a lot smarter than those six year deals that feed into the ego of the player/agent with 3 years at the end of the contract that both parties no will never play out.

 

[rzrback77]

I think it's pretty simple, he signed a one year deal because it was the most money he could get.

I don't think it's quite that simple. BUF/others probably would have given him slightly more locked into a long deal without guarantees but Johnson thought it wasn't enough and as you say when he shows off his skills someone will offer him what he's worth. I always have a lot of respect for players that are so confident in their ability that they are willing to take the short deal now without guarantees and plan to make you pay the big $'s next year. More power to him. It's a lot smarter than those six year deals that feed into the ego of the player/agent with 3 years at the end of the contract that both parties no will never play out.

Catching a lot of flak for a one year deal, but really in the NFL, most of the contracts are one or two year deals regardless of the announced length and $.

 

[Poppa]

Wonder how long till DJAX is cut.

49ers BID FAREWELL TO DARRELLPosted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2008, 7:57 a.m.

After adding receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson since the start of free agency on February 29, the 49ers have opted to trim from the roster veteran wideout Darrell Jackson, reports Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Jackson was traded to San Fran in 2007 from the Seahawks for a fourth-round draft pick. Through the 2004 season he was developing into a high-end receiver, but knee problems limited him significantly in 2005. He was able to participate in 13 games in 2006, but the addition of Nate Burleson and Deion Branch made him expendable.

With the 49ers, he started 15 games and caught 46 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns.

It’s unknown whether Jackson has anything left, but teams that run the West Coast offense will likely have an interest. The most likely destinations include the Vikings, Bucs, Eagles, and Redskins.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/15/...ell-to-darrell/

 

[chook]

Wonder how long till DJAX is cut.

49ers BID FAREWELL TO DARRELLPosted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2008, 7:57 a.m.

After adding receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson since the start of free agency on February 29, the 49ers have opted to trim from the roster veteran wideout Darrell Jackson, reports Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Jackson was traded to San Fran in 2007 from the Seahawks for a fourth-round draft pick. Through the 2004 season he was developing into a high-end receiver, but knee problems limited him significantly in 2005. He was able to participate in 13 games in 2006, but the addition of Nate Burleson and Deion Branch made him expendable.

With the 49ers, he started 15 games and caught 46 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns.

It’s unknown whether Jackson has anything left, but teams that run the West Coast offense will likely have an interest. The most likely destinations include the Vikings, Bucs, Eagles, and Redskins.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/15/...ell-to-darrell/

Aww dammit. Well at least for a few hours the Niners had an ex-receiver from each of their division rivals on the squad.

 

[lord_helmet]

Deer... Meet headlights.

Smith better toughen up fast.

 

[Couch Potato]

With DJax' departure, Bryant Johnson suddenly looks pretty good if he can produce. Bruce is 35, Battle a #3/slot guy now, and with a good offseason Johnson could emerge as the #1.

A lot of ??? for this offense right now, with a new OC and complicated system, two new starting outside WRs, an unsettled QB situation with two QBs who still need to learn this system before one can emerge. I'm expecting sub par numbers from this offense even though Martz has proven otherwise in the past. Nevertheless, if Johnson was looking for a place to try to prove he could be a #1, he's got his chance.

 

[Bri]

Destroys any value Bruce had IMO

"taking this back" now that Darrell is gone

 

[Poppa]

Have never seen Bryant play. What are his strengths and weaknesses - particularly as it applies to his current situation...

 

[sheerterror]

So...is Johnson worth anything at the moment? I picked him up on waivers last season with the hopes of him landing in a good spot as a free agent. I love the idea of him potentially be the WR1 in a Martz offense (don't know if he is good enough to produce though) but at the same time, is he currently a sell high?

 

[donkey]

So...is Johnson worth anything at the moment? I picked him up on waivers last season with the hopes of him landing in a good spot as a free agent. I love the idea of him potentially be the WR1 in a Martz offense (don't know if he is good enough to produce though) but at the same time, is he currently a sell high?

I don't think enough is known about Johnson for him to be a sell high, unless you find a trading partner who has a real need at WR. I think if anything he is definitely a hold right now. If he can string together some nice games early in the year his value will climb much higher.

 

[travdogg]

Wouldn't be shocked if Johnson ended up being a top-15 WR. Wouldn't be shocked if he were San Fran's WR3.

 

[Gnat Berries]

Wouldn't be shocked if Johnson ended up being a top-15 WR. Wouldn't be shocked if he were San Fran's WR3.

Let's flip this post on its head -I wouldn't be shocked if Alex Smith fails to learn the Martz system and has a terrible year.I would be shocked if he had a good year.Bryant Johnson is an idiot. Bryant Johnson's agent is an idiot among idiots. He signed one year to produce 40 catches for 550 yards and 2 TDS. But hey! The bright side is he'll still get overpaid by Oakland in 2009.

 

[plastik]

Wouldn't be shocked if Johnson ended up being a top-15 WR. Wouldn't be shocked if he were San Fran's WR3.

I wouldn't be shocked if Alex Smith fails to learn the Martz system and has a terrible year.I would be shocked if he had a good year.

I feel pretty much the same way about Smith, less because of of his inability to learn the system as he seems to be quite intelligent, but more because of his apparent frailty and poor decision making. Anybody in here think that J.T. O'Sullivan might have a shot at seeing playing time at some point during next season? He's already familiar with Martz's system and he showed some flashes of potential during pre-season last year. I wouldn't be too surprised if he could put up better numbers than Smith or Hill, and thus boost the value or SF WRs. I just can't get too excited about either Smith or Hill and feel like there's a reason J.T. followed Martz to SF.

 

[Yitbos69]

Does anyone know what the $$$ was that Bryant Johnson got in his one year deal?

 

[djb916420]

Does anyone know what the $$$ was that Bryant Johnson got in his one year deal?

think I read somewhere a one year 2 million dollar deal

 

[Weiner Dog]

Bump.

Bryant Johnson's gamble on a 1-year contract does not seem to be working well. Initially, it did not seem like a horrible deal. Go to a team with Martz as the OC...earn a cool $2mm...re-enter the UFA market in '09...land a multi-year contract as a 28-29 year old.

He'll now be lucky to make a roster next year, let alone earn the league minimum for a 6+ year vet. I think Johnson's failed gamble is a great reminder that players should land guaranteed money when it's available. Fitz's 4-year, $40mm contact comes to mind.

 

[zamboni]

Bump.Bryant Johnson's gamble on a 1-year contract does not seem to be working well.

I don't recall, but was it a gamble or was that the best he could get?If the latter, clearly we see why now.