5 Reasons Stevie Johnson Deserves to Be Overpaid by the Buffalo Bills

Rumors are swirling about contract talks falling apart between the Buffalo Bills front office and star wide receiver Stevie Johnson. Over the past two season, the former seventh-round pick in the 2008 draft has gone from an unknown practice squad player to a household name in the NFL. He may not be the best of the best in the league, but he has proved himself the best on his current team and would be highly coveted on the open market.

That brings up a question: Just how much is he worth to the Buffalo Bills? In Johnson's case, fair market value simply doesn't add up. Here are my reasons.

1. Johnson's been paid like a seventh-round pick.

He made the league minimum his first two season, never breaking the $400,000 mark, which is understandable as former head coach Dick Jauron kept Johnson on the practice squad. In 2010 Johnson made around $500,000, finally receiving a bump in 2011 to $1,200,000. However, that still leaves him as the 12th highest paid player on the team and on par with teammates Reggie Corner, a fourth- or fifth-string defensive back, and tight end Scott Chandler, an unknown name before the start of the season. Plus, the team's kicker and punter make more than him.

After two seasons of turning in 1,000-yard performances, he deserves a little back pay.

2. Johnson has chemistry with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Finding a talented wide receiver isn't the most difficult task. However, finding one who is in-tune with your starting quarterback is priceless. Should Johnson move on and the Bills sign a replacement, there's no telling how the new guy would connect with the rest of the offense. Johnson is a known quality who has helped Fitzpatrick elevate his game, and probably vice versa. It's an intangible advantage that the Bills need to keep intact.

3. Johnson is a fan favorite.

The guy has been connecting with fans since day one. Personally, I remember in '09 when he had only a couple hundred followers on Twitter. He hosted online Madden leagues with fans and playfully trash-talked about their competition. Once he emerged as a star, his personality did not change one bit—a rare quality amongst stars nowadays.

His down-to-earth humor and charm are a perfect fit for the city of Buffalo and the culture of its fans. Letting him slip away will only further fuel the fans' fire that management is out of touch.

4. Johnson is entering his prime.

Now that Johnson has learned how to get the most out of himself on the field, his best years are ahead of him. Over the next three to five seasons, there's no reason he shouldn't continue to produce 1,000-yard seasons. While some will criticize his childish antics, hopefully he has grown up and learned his lessons. On the brink of reaching his full potential, why let that potential go to another bidder over a few million dollars when you have dibs on solidifying a contract?

5. His big-money contract could attract other quality free agents.

If the Bills prove they're willing to pay up to keep their stars happy, imagine how much more attractive Buffalo will appear to stars disgruntled with their current team. The Bills have a reputation of being cheap and the city itself is a tough draw. Johnson could be the poster child of how the culture around One Bills Drive has transformed, and that it's truly committed to doing whatever it takes to win a championship and please its fans.

Here's to hoping the Bills pull out the checkbook in the coming days before it's too late.