Buccaneers WR Mike Williams Looking For A Similar Deal To That Of Stevie Johnson?

Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times writes that Buccaneers WR Mike Williams could be targeting a similar deal to that of Bills WR Stevie Johnson and Seahawks WR Sidney Rice.

Holder mentions that Williams’ overall production is that far off from Johnson who received a five-year, $36.25 million extension that included $18.05 million in guarantees last March.

Rice comparatively received five-year $41 million contract that included $18 million in guarantees.

Pro Football Focus has all three of the players rated as Top 25 receivers this year.

Given that Williams is still only 25 and has put together two very solid seasons for the Buccaneers, it seems realistic that he could secure a similar contract to either player. $18 million guaranteed looks like the key number in these deals, so it will be interesting to see if he’s able to get more out of Tampa Bay than that.

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Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune reports that the Buccaneers and WR Mike Williams have begun discussions regarding a long-term contract extension.

Williams was taken in the fourth-round of the 2010 draft and will be entering the final year of his rookie contract. This season, Williams wound up tallying 996 yards receiving to go along with 9 touchdowns for the Bucs. Clearly, the addition of Vincent Jackson has helped Tampa Bay’s offense, but Williams was able to capitalize on the opportunity and should be a productive player in the coming years.

Pro Football Focus rated Williams as the No. 18 best receiver this season.