Stevie Johnson Deserving of Long-Term Deal with Buffalo Bills, but What's Next?

Why so serious? Because Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson was about to get the franchise tag. Now, it appears the two sides may not have to take it that far after all.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported via Twitter that the two sides were close to reaching an agreement on a five-year contract on Sunday night, and that they sealed the deal on Monday.

"

Stevie Johnson signed a five-year, $36.25 million deal that includes $19.5 million gtd and over $24 million in deal's first three years.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2012

"

With all the news coming in so rapidly on Friday about teams tagging players, some were surprised that Stevie Johnson's name wasn't on the list, but figured it would probably land there before Monday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline.

Fortunately for the two sides, it will never reach that point.

Why It's The Right Move

As it is, the Bills need a wide receiver, but if the Bills had lost Johnson, they would need a wide receiver in a bad way.

The Bills are making a smart move by addressing a need from within; although there are some options available at wide receiver both in the draft and free agency, the Bills would just be adding to the number of receivers they'd have to find this offseason.

At least this way, they keep a receiver that is familiar with the system Chan Gailey runs, with Johnson playing the most effective and deadly football of his career in the two years he's played under Gailey.

While there are some questionable character flaws, like his propensity to take penalties for overboard touchdown celebrations and to question God's judgment via Twitter, the NFL has shown that there is a place to be had for the eccentric; see Chad Ochocinco and Ricky Williams for evidence of that.

What's Next?

With Johnson now taken care of, the Bills can move on to the next biggest priority. The team has said that it's looking to get a long-term deal done with running back Fred Jackson, who is arguably the team's MVP.

They would also like to get a deal done with tight end Scott Chandler.

And when it's all said and done, the Bills should still have plenty of cap space to go after one of the big-name free agents available in the offseason. The team could use some help specifically at defensive end, and although it will take a lot to land Texans free agent-to-be defensive end Mario Williams, the Bills have the resources and should be among the teams in contention for his services.

Follow @ErikFrenz