Report: Patriots Targeting WR Stevie Johnson

Dianna Marie Russini reports that the New England Patriots are targeting former 49ers WR Stevie Johnson.

Russini has been all over the Stevie Johnson situation for the past few weeks and was the first to report on his impending release.

• Pro Football Talk recently reported that Johnson could still be back with the 49ers next year, even after he was officially released by the team on Thursday.
• According to Jason La Canfora, the Browns will at least explore the idea of signing Johnson, who has ties to the Browns’ coaching staff.
• Aaron Wilson reports that the “several” teams have already expressed interest in former 49ers WR Stevie Johnson since he was officially released last night.

Johnson, 28, was released by the 49ers in a move that freed up $6,025,000 in available cap space for San Francisco.

In 2014, Johnson appeared in 13 games and caught 35 passes for 435 yards receiving and three touchdowns for the 49ers. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 22 receiver out of 110 qualifying players, which is pretty good considering that he only played 305 snaps.

We’ll have more regarding Johnson and Patriots as the news is available.