Buffalo Bills Free Agency: Bills Aim to Pair Steve Johnson with Vincent Jackson

Steve Johnson is back in Buffalo, but pretty soon, he may have company. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Bills appear serious about finding a talented receiver to pair with their fourth-year veteran, and that receiver may be unrestricted Chargers free agent Vincent Jackson.  

Monday's tag deadline came and went for Jackson, who was franchised by San Diego last year. Therefore, when the free-agent period begins on March 13, he and his agent will be free to negotiate with any NFL organization. The news does not necessarily eliminate San Diego from the equation, but with heavy competition expected, Jackson's days with the Chargers appear to be numbered.

Jackson enters free agency as the most sought-after wide receiver available. It is assumed that he will command top dollar.  

Several teams have announced their desire for the Pro Bowl wideout, but as the following slideshow suggests, the Bills have some distinct advantages.

Partners in Crime

Buffalo's football fanbase breathed a sigh of relief Monday, as Stevie Johnson signed on the dotted line. The star receiver agreed to a five-year deal worth $36.25 million and used social media to break the news.

He even coaxed his quarterback into sporting a Mohawk for the occasion.

Johnson then thanked his field general with this tweet:

"

 Stevie Johnson‏ @StevieJohnson13

My man Fitzmagic came thru for me & all of you. Had to sign...check it out. 13 isn't anything w/out14.

"

But after hosting a press conference to congratulate Johnson, it was back to business for Bills general manager Buddy Nix, who is preparing to attack free agency with a vengeance.  

"

"We're gonna be aggressive," said Nix, in an interview with WGR Radio. "If there’s a difference-maker — not necessarily a position — but if there’s a guy that can come in here and immediately improve our football team, we’ll get in the hunt early this time.” 

"

Vincent Jackson could be the difference-maker Nix is looking for. Paired with Johnson, he would give the Bills the deep threat they have lacked since the team released Lee Evans prior to last season.  

On Tuesday, Stevie Johnson was interviewed by Mike Florio on the NBC podcast, ProFootballTalkLive, and said that Vincent Jackson would "most definitely" fit the offense of the Buffalo Bills.

"I've told him personally that I look up to him and love his game," said Johnson. He also urged "any receiver listening" to consider playing for Bills coach Chan Gailey, who gives his receivers the freedom to improvise on the field. "(Chan) doesn't care what you do or how you do it, as long as you beat your man,"  

Have a listen here, but please note: When Florio starts talking about today's news, move your mouse to the top left hand side of the video.  Click on More Video and go to Tuesday, March 6 for Johnson's interview.  Stevie's exchange about Jackson starts at approximately 05:38. 

Pay the Man

Despite Johnson's signing, the Bills have the salary cap space to add Vincent Jackson, who they consider to be a game-changer at his position.

But they do not want to make a hasty decision at the start of free agency. With a host of other teams interested in the 6'5" receiver, most experts are predicting a bidding war, but it may not turn out that way.  

Working out the Numbers

In a recent column he wrote, Bleacher Report's Dan Van Wie described how much cap space the Bills had before they signed Stevie Johnson.  Buffalo News writer Mark Gaughan also provided information, after the Bills inked tight end Scott Chandler. 

Both men took into account the money Buffalo will likely spend on its own free agents and on a rookie draft class that will include at least nine selections in April.

Simple math makes it clear that the Bills can go after a couple of unrestricted free agents or one dominant one. But like he did in negotiating with Johnson, Nix is not tipping his hand.

In just the past month, the Bills general manager has contradicted himself at least once. On the one occasion, he said that he will aggressively search for a difference-maker, but on another, he stressed that the Bills will not reach to fill positions of need.

"

“Our philosophy, or mine, or ours is that those big money guys that hit the market at 12:01 or midnight, the way it used to be, if you’re not careful you’ll overspend on those guys and not get what you pay for,” Nix told radio station, WGR. “We’ve been one to think you can pick up good players later on in free agency, and I’m talking about guys like (Bills linebacker) Nick Barnett and receivers that we’ve picked up. They’re out there, and they’ll be out there and that’s kind of been our philosophy, along with building through the draft.”

"

Fortunately for Nix, Johnson and his agent made a gentleman's agreement that was good for both sides. Johnson will average $7.25 over the five years of his contract, with $19.5 million of it guaranteed. Spreading out the money that is owed to Johnson over the length of the deal left the Bills wiggle room to sign a player like Jackson, who may command $10-$11 million per year.

Time for a Change

Jackson's stay in San Diego has been a rocky one and some teams may want to avoid a potential headache. But most of what occurred there could have been avoided.  

It started with a questionable rookie contract that has essentially paid Jackson just $15 million in his first seven years with the team. That was followed by Jackson's rejection to a long-term contract offer, a pair of DUIs and an ugly holdout by the receiver in 2009, after an unresolved collective bargaining agreement stripped him of unrestricted free agency.  

In Jackson's defense, the Chargers have had more animosity towards his agents than the athlete himself.  

"

"My relationship with Vincent through all this was fine, and always has been," said Chargers general manager A.J. Smith.  "As far as his agents Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod are concerned, their words about me to the media last year were very hurtful."  

"

Through it all, Jackson has delivered on the field. In seven years, he has averaged 17.5 yards per catch with 76 of his receptions for 20 yards or more. The only red flag may be the fact that Jackson has had more than 60 catches only once.

But in an offense that spreads the ball around and features All-World tight end Antonio Gates, low catch totals are nothing new for San Diego's receivers. 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

At 29, Jackson knows that his next stop could be his last. It also may be in his best interests to go where he feels comfortable. After turbulent times in San Diego, Jackson is looking for respect from somebody he can trust.

That is where the Bills fit in.

Buffalo's biggest advantage is general manager Buddy Nix, who was responsible for drafting Jackson (in 2005), as Assistant GM in San Diego. Jackson knows firsthand how valuable Nix is, especially when it comes to building a winner.  

During Nix's eight-year tenure with the Chargers, the team never missed the playoffs, won the AFC West five times and appeared in four NFC Title games. Nix also showed an eye for talent. Between 2004 and 2008, players he drafted were selected to the Pro Bowl 28 times.

Nix and head coach Chan Gailey also like to let talent dictate what happens on the field. They saw great potential in Stevie Johnson and waited patiently, as he flourished into the Bills #1 receiver. They have also disciplined him for conduct detrimental to the team, but have been willing to give second and third chances.  That is unheard of in today's NFL, especially for a seventh-round draft pick.  But it exemplifies the respect that Nix and Gailey have for their players and the commitment that they have for them..   

"Lights Out, but Somebody's Home!"

Contacts mean everything in the business world—the NFL is no different. So do not be surprised if the Bills pull out all the stops in their courtship of Jackson.  

When it comes to marketing themselves, the Bills have a lot to offer. They have a young, competitive team that is headed by a pair of wily veterans in GM Buddy Nix and head coach Chan Gailey. They have a youthful chief operating officer and a Hall of Fame owner, who, despite his age, is determined to win a Super Bowl.  

But the most important sales pitch may come from an old friend of Jackson's named Shawne Merriman. Merriman is a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, who is trying to resurrect his career in Buffalo. Nix took a flyer on the injury-prone linebacker two years ago and perhaps premeditated a move for Jackson in doing so.  

Merriman, who plans to return this season after Achilles surgery, was Jackson's teammate in San Diego, when Vincent was drafted by Nix in 2005. The two also have a lot in common.  

Like Jackson, Merriman had a high-profile falling-out with the Chargers, after a series of off-the-field issues that included steroid use and trouble with the law. But the Bills have stood by him, despite a continuing string of injuries, and remain hopeful that Merriman will make an impact, on the field and in their locker room.

In the meantime, 3,000 miles separates Merriman from Jackson, but they still keep in touch. Last weekend, Vincent gave Shawne a shout-out, as he counted down the days to free agency.   

"

VJ ‏ @VincentTJackson , Hello World. This is the official Vincent Jackson twitter. Looking forward to connecting with my fans & keeping you updated on the things in the world of VJ.

@VincentTJackson sweety pie hit me

 VJ ‏ @VincentTJackson

@shawnemerriman Wuddup knucklehead

1:39 PM - 3 Mar 12 via Twitter for Android

"

And then late Tuesday night, Merriman tweeted this, which got Bills Nation buzzing.

"

 Shawne Merriman ‏ @shawnemerriman, 3-Time Pro Bowl Outside Linebacker

Got em Coach

• 14 RETWEETS

11:26 PM - 5 Mar 12 via UberSocial for iPhone

"

Is this a sign that Merriman talked VJ into becoming a Bill? Your guess is as good as mine, but only time will tell.

Friends in High Places

Another connection that gives Buffalo an advantage in the Vincent Jackson sweepstakes is the relationship between Buddy Nix and Chargers general manger A.J. Smith. The two have a long working history together that dates back to an original stint with Ralph Wilson's Bills in the 1990s.

Both men left Buffalo to follow the late John Butler, who relinquished his role as Bills GM to take the same position in San Diego.  

Nix and Smith were responsible for the drafting of a number of San Diego greats, including Jackson, Antonio Cromartie, Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Shawne Merriman.

If the Chargers want Jackson back, they could match the highest bids. But the ultimate decision is VJ's, and he may have a soft spot for his old buddy, Nix.   

Draft for Need

If the Bills can successfully reel in Vincent Jackson, they can use the draft to focus on the team's other weaknesses. Buffalo's most pressing needs remain on defense, where they are planning to switch back to a 4-3 alignment under new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt.

The 3-4 failed miserably over the past two years, but the Bills should be able to make a smooth adjustment if they can find a pass-rusher and some depth at linebacker and cornerback.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Bills could lose free-agent starter Demetrius Bell, who is talented, but has yet to prove he can stay healthy. Rookie Chris Hairston from Clemson did an admirable job substituting for Bell last year, but he is still in his development stages.

Unless the Bills make an unexpected move to trade up or decide to trade down for more picks, they should take the best tackle available at No. 10. That way, they can protect Ryan Fitzpatrick's backside so he has time to take shots downfield.

If Vincent Jackson is added to his arsenal, the tackle selection will be well worth the pick.    

An Unstoppable Force

If Buffalo lands 6'5", 230-pound Vincent Jackson, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will be ecstatic because of Jackson's ability to dominate defenders by reaching up and over them.

At 6'2", Steve Johnson is a good leaper, but he is recognized more for his route-running than for his ability to outwrestle opponents for the ball.

Meanwhile, the Bills are satisfied with the rest of their pass-catchers, who are young and promising. Some of them, like Naaman Roosevelt, can use more experience, but others got their share of starts in 2011 and had some bright moments. Unfortunately, injuries took a toll in the second half of the season and played a major role in the Bills' 1-7 finish.

Speed is always nice, but consistency is more important to Bills head coach Chan Gailey.  

"

“Years of experience tell you not to get carried away by how fast a guy runs or how much he bench presses," said Gailey, during the team's training camp last summer. "You’ve got to go play consistently on the field. I do see potential, but I don’t let myself get excited, until I see it on a regular basis.”

"

Spotlight on Vincent

When it comes to receivers, Buddy Nix prefers size over substance. He has said several times that he wants a guy like Detroit's Calvin Johnson, who "is open, even when he's covered." But Bills coach Chan Gailey would rather see consistency in his pass-catchers.   

Jackson would be a dream come true for both men. With "Megatron" size, he is an imposing sight for defensive backs and he has been consistent in San Diego, with three 1,000-yard seasons in his last four campaigns.

His addition would allow David Nelson to return to the slot, where the 6'5" receiver excels. Buffalo's versatility would also benefit, with the return of Brad Smith, as a wildcat performer.

Competition should be fierce among the Bills' other returnees.  

Donald Jones had his moments in 2011, with 23 catches in seven starts, before suffering two high ankle sprains.  And the Bills will be curious to see what they have in 2010 fourth-round pick Marcus Easley.

Easley has all the skills in the world, but he has yet to play in a regular-season game. A knee injury forced him to miss his entire rookie season.  And last year, he was scratched with a mysterious heart ailment that has since been taken care of.     

Other receivers that will compete for spots on the roster are free-agent acquisition David Clowney, former Dolphin Derek Hagan, Ruvell Martin and Kamar Aiken. Long-time veteran Roscoe Parrish could be the odd man out.

Meanwhile, Scott Chandler will remain a prime target of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Just three days after Steve Johnson's signing, he agreed to a two-year extension with the club.  Chandler, who is another Buddy Nix draftee, was a fourth-round pick of the Chargers in 2007.   

"Stay with Me!"

Moving on in life can be a good thing, but for Vincent Jackson, it may be a difficult transition. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Jackson has indicated that he would consider staying with his quarterback and close friend Philip Rivers, and perhaps even take a slight discount to do so.  

Even Chargers general manager A.J. Smith may have second thoughts.

"

“If we decide to pursue a long-term deal we will have a great offer, a great package both in years and money," Smith told the Union Tribune. "I hope it’s acceptable to them. We would love to have Vincent continue to be a member of our team. If they like our contract and think it’s of fair value for them, they will accept. If not, they will be picking a team and contract to their liking – a team that they feel is best for them. I understand the process and respect their position.”

 

"

Jet Setter

Vincent Jackson's phone is about to ring off the hook, as free agency gets underway on March 13. In the meantime, rumors are flying about the teams that will make a play on the All-Pro receiver.  

Chicago, Washington, Minnesota and St. Louis are just some of the teams that could come calling. But a number of others may join the fray, especially after Wednesday's expected announcement of Peyton Manning's departure from Indianapolis.  

Both of Manning's favorite targets are free agents, so the fate of Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon will be closely monitored. Other unrestricted free agents include Rams wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, the Jets' Plaxico Burress, Cowboys wideout Laurent Robinson, the Falcons' Harry Douglas, the 49ers' Josh Morgan and Saints teammates Marques Colston and Robert Meachem.

Randy Moss also plans to come out of retirement and Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace is a restricted free agent, which means a suitor would have to give up a first-round draft choice to attain him from the Steelers via trade.  

At Stevie Johnson's press conference, Bills general manager Buddy Nix was asked how important it is to find a complementary receiver. He answered the question, but clearly will not beg a guy like Jackson to join the Bills, if he is not willing.

"

"We’re going to go, and people say we’re cheap and we won’t do that, but we’re going to go after guys that can help us," said Nix, to a press room that was filled with reporters. "It may not be receivers. I think we’ve got good guys to go with him. I think Stevie would tell you the same thing. We’ve got talent. Everybody talks about speed on the other side away from him, deep speed. We’ve got guys out there that can run. It’s a matter of keeping him healthy and keeping him on the field. That doesn’t mean we won’t sign another receiver and it doesn’t mean we won’t draft one, but I do think we’ve got a good group."

"

"So Long, San Diego. Hello Buffalo?"

Like so many free agents before him, it seems inevitable that Vincent Jackson will find greener pastures. But he would be smart to follow the lead of others, who have left San Diego with their heads held high.

After his up and down with the team, Shawne Merriman was a perfect gentleman on his way out. These were his words to the Chargers' media, prior to his departure:

"

I have been blessed to call San Diego my home for the past six years. I can’t say enough about my teammates, the coaching staff and of course the fans who have made my career with the Chargers such an amazing experience. I am approaching this situation as an opportunity to grow as a player and to bring my leadership and talents to a new organization. I am ready for the next chapter in my career and I am excited about the opportunity to continue my journey with a new team.

"

The Bills hope those words ring true for Jackson, with a first-class ticket to Buffalo.