Matt Maiocco of CBS Bay Area doesn’t consider veteran WR Stevie Johnson a “lock” to make the 49ers 53-man roster as of now.
“With a $3.65 million base salary, [Johnson] must have a good camp to justify the 49ers awarding him the No. 3 role over one of the younger players,” Maiocco writes.
The 49ers sent the Bills a conditional 2015 fourth-round pick in return for Johnson, so it seemed like a given that Johnson would be able to secure No. 3 receiver position during the offseas. However, it appears as though he still has some work to do before the idea can completely be ruled out.
Maiocco has Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton down as “locks” to make the team, which should come as no surprise. Beyond them, the 49ers have Brandon Lloyd, Devon Wylie, Kassim Osgood, Jon Baldwin, Chuck Jacobs and David Reed spots. all competing for roster
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.
San Francisco could free up $3.925 million in cap space by releasing Johnson, according to OverTheCap.com.
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.
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