Report: Stevie Johnson plans to sign with the San Diego Chargers

By Vinnie Criscenzo | Mar 17, 2015

Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) is unable to make a catch in front of Oakland Raiders defensive back Chimdi Chekwa (35) in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson plans to sign with the San Diego Chargers.

Stevie Johnson moved out to the west coast last season, joining the San Francisco 49ers after spending the first six years of his NFL career on the east coast with the Buffalo Bills. He seems to be fond of the west coast, as he’s decided to stay there next season as well, as he plans to sign with the San Diego Chargers.

With the Chargers losing Eddie Royal to the Chicago Bears, they were in need of another wide receiver to play opposite Keenan Allen. Even though Stevie Johnson’s production has gone down in recent years, he still may be a valuable asset to the Chargers.

More from Los Angeles Chargers

Between 2010 and 2012, Johnson recorded three straight 1,000 yards receiving seasons with the Bills. In 2013, he saw his production, as well as his targets, decrease dramatically. After being targeted at least 134 times and collecting at least 76 receptions between 2010 and 2012, he registered only 52 catches on 101 targets for 597 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2013 after the Bills turned the offense over to rookie E.J. Manuel.

That turned out to be Johnson’s last season in Buffalo, as he left after the 2013 season to join the 49ers. However, his production was even worse in 2014. With another young quarterback in Colin Kaepernick throwing him the ball, and the offense struggling as a whole all season, Johnson recorded his lowest totals since his rookie season. He compiled just 35 catches on 50 targets for 435 yards and 3 touchdowns.

With the decision to sign with the Chargers, Johnson will arguably have the best quarterback he’s ever had in his career throwing to him in Philip Rivers. After having an ineffective E.J. Manuel throwing to him in his last season in Buffalo and then Kaepernick in San Francisco, there’s no doubt he will be much more productive under Philip Rivers.

Not only that, but Johnson will also be working in arguable the best offense of his career as well. If Johnson can generate some chemistry right away with Rivers, the 28-year old receiver may once again find his 1,000 yards receiving form.

H/T NFL.com Around The NFL, Ian Rapaport

More from FanSided

Home/Los Angeles Chargers