Report: 49ers Trade For Bills WR Stevie Johnson

Update:

#49ers acquire WR @StevieJohnson13 via trade with the Buffalo Bills. pic.twitter.com/7mM8sTs5eA

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 9, 2014

Bills statement regarding the Stevie Johnson trade:

“Stevie was a great contributor during his career with our organization,” said Bills GM Doug Whaley. “Today’s decision was not an easy one to make, especially involving a player like Stevie who leaves everything he has on the field and is an emotional leader in our locker room. All of the decisions we make are done so in the best interest of our team. We wish him the best of luck in San Francisco and throughout the rest of his NFL career. We also want to thank Stevie and his family for their commitment to the Buffalo Bills and the community over the last six years.”

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Bills are trading WR Stevie Johnson to the 49ers in return for a conditional 2015 fourth-round pick.

• Schefter adds that the pick can become a third-round selection.
• Brian McIntyre mentions that the Bills paid Johnson a $1.75 million roster bonus back in March.
• He will still count $10.225 million against the Bills’ 2014 salary cap, which is an increase of $1.725 million, according to McIntyre.

Recent reports mentioned that Johnson was likely to be on the trading block now that the Bills moved up and selected Clemson WR Sammy Watkins in round one.

Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 in Buffalo mentioned that it would likely require Johnson to restructure his contract in order to make a deal work, so this is something to keep an eye on as the news leaks out.

The 49ers were reportedly looking to move up for a receiver in this year’s draft, but that didn’t happen. Johnson should give them another receiver to go along with Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis.

Johnson, 27, is currently entering the third season of his five-year, $36.25 million contract and will make $3.65 million for the 2014 season.

Johnson played in 12 games for the Bills this season where he caught 52 passes for 597 yards and three touchdowns. Pro Football Focus gave Johnson a positive rating in 2013, but it was still only good enough for No. 54 overall among qualifying receivers.