The Buffalo Bills are looking to be aggressive in the upcoming draft. Drafting at No. 9 is an awkward spot considering a move up could be costly, but staying the spot could have the team missing out on several quality options. As the Bills continue to express their faith in second-year pro EJ Manuel, a wide receiver appears to be a favorite first-round pick. What does that mean for the future of Stevie Johnson?
According to Chris Brown of Bills.com is currently reporting that with just a few hours until the first pick is made, the Bills trade talks are intensifying. However, he fails to mention with what team Buffalo is negotiating with. Certain NFL sources are saying the Bills are eyeing the No. 1 overall pick, but that might be too high of a price to pay. They team wants a top wide receiver which puts another future in jeopardy.
Joe Buscaglia of WGR-550 in Buffalo is currently reporting that the Bills will shop wide receiver Stevie Johnson for a draft deal in order to get more draft picks after a move up in the first round. If Buffalo aims to trade into even the top three, they will likely have to sacrifice a second-round draft or third-round pick in exchange. The team could then trade Johnson to acquire one of those picks back.
Johnson is coming off a terrible season. After three straight 1,000-yard seasons, he only managed 597 yards and three touchdowns. Pair that with injuries and Johnson's stock has dropped. The Bills have reportedly been trying to shop the wide receiver, but have not had any takers. He is an $8 million cap hit the next three seasons which could also be detracting some interest. Despite the rumors, head coach Doug Marrone remains very positive about where Johnson can go with the Bills.
"I've been communicating with Stevie about something to that effect," Marrone said, via Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. "We had a great conversation. I told Stevie, ‘Hey, listen. I'm excited about getting started with you. I'm excited about you coming in and getting healthy and get this team going ... and whatever else you're hearing, it's not coming from me.'"
The Bills are favoriting both Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans, but understand that in order to get them, a trade up is the only option. After the draft a young elite receiver, is there really a need for Johnson and his heavy salary? There could be teams interested in a deal if they miss out on their top target in the first two rounds. Almost every team is predicted to draft a wide receiver at some point. It remains to be seen who is willing to pick up the contract along with giving up a draft pick.
