NFL Rumors: FA WR Steve Johnson an Attractive Option for New England Patriots?

The New England Patriots are coming off a 2011 season that saw them produce another 100-catch year for receiver Wes Welker and arguably the most prolific tight end combination ever assembled in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. 

If the Patriots franchise tag Welker, they'll retain that trio for the 2012 season. However, their need for a vertical threat at X receiver remains. Chad Ochocinco certainly wasn't the answer and will likely be let go. Luckily for the Patriots, there are several options in free agency that make a lot of sense to fill that void, notably Vincent Jackson and Brandon Lloyd. 

You may also be able to add Buffalo Bills free agent receiver Steve Johnson to that list. 

According to NFL Network's Albert Breer, the union of Johnson and New England makes sense if the Bills decide against franchise-tagging the 25-year-old receiver.

Here is Breer's tweet: 

Of course, the Bills can make this a moot point if they franchise tag Johnson over the next 15 days.

But in the case that they don't, let's run down Breer's reasons for this free agent fit. 

1. He KILLED the Patriots this year

Maybe Johnson didn't kill New England, but the numbers were certainly there against the Patriots in 2011. Over two games, Johnson caught 12 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. In five career games against New England, Johnson has 21 catches for 273 yards and three scores. Overall, there's plenty of film against the Patriots for Bill Belichick and Co. to break down on Johnson. 

2. He gives Revis more trouble than any WR

Johnson certainly gave New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis his fair share of trouble this past season. He caught 11 passes for 159 yards and one touchdown, plus the longest pass Revis gave up all season at 52 yards. That kind of success against the game's unquestioned No. 1 cover corner is definitely a plus for a team that takes on Revis twice a year.  

3. He's a vertical threat

This might be the most important aspect from the Patriots' standpoint. Last season, Johnson had eight catches of 20 or more yards. If Johnson can transition that deep threat to New England, the Patriots would be a near impossible team to match up with defensively. Every part of the field would need extra attention on any given snap, and defenses can only play with 11 guys. Scary.

In the end, a lot of things still need to go right for this fit to happen. But considering some of the factors involved, you could make the case that signing Johnson would be a best case scenario for the Patriots.