The way Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix phrased it during his season-ending press conference, it sounded like the organization is very interested in bringing wide receiver Stevie Johnson back for next season at least.
Johnson, a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent as of March 13, has often stated that he wants to be back in Buffalo next season.
On January 9, Nix had been asked if it was their intention to re-open contract talks with Johnson and his agent, C.J. Laboy, in the next few weeks. This is what the GM said:
"There were proposals made during the season. The last one we made their stance was we’d like for Stevie to concentrate on the season, finish out the year and then start the talks at the end of the year. And there has been dialogue since the season was over and they will continue."
While there hasn't been dialogue directly about the contract situation between the two sides, there has been dialogue just as Nix said in his press conference.
Now 18 days removed from the day that Nix made that statement about the situation, there have been no further advances made on a quest for a new contract according to Johnson's agent.
"We did speak to them following Buddy’s press conference, but we have had no contract talks," Laboy told WGR on Friday.
Now, this isn't supposed to ignite critical concerns by the fan base. With free agency about a month-and-a-half away, things usually start to heat up right around the time of the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Laboy said as much when asked if Johnson would just test the market with it being so close.
"Far too early for that," Laboy said. "The Bills have options. They can use the franchise tag on him, they can negotiate an extension, or they can let him walk. It is no secret where Stevie’s heart is, but at the same time he has to do what is best for his family."
Johnson is the only Bills' player in franchise history to have back-to-back seasons that gain 1,000 yards receiving. Despite the lack of contract conversations between the two sides to this point, Laboy said he continues optimistic that a deal will get done.
When reached for comment, Bills spokesperson Scott Berchtold told WGR: "Per team policy, we don't comment on negotiations."
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