49ers acquire WR Stevie Johnson from Bills

[SeoulSoxFan]

...for a conditional 4th (could be a 3rd). 
 
Johnson has slipped in 2013 to be a 53rd PFF rated WR, and even more alarming 82nd Y/REC with only 11.5 yds, which wouldn't be too bad except he only caught 62.1% of the balls thrown his way. Only started 12 games due to injuries and suspensions as well.
 
All numbers are lowest except for his rookie year a wash-out 2nd year. He has averaged 13.2 yards/rec. 3 other years in Buffalo.
 
I am not sold on this move for the 49ers. He's in the middle of a 5-year, $36m contract (only saves $25k if cut this year). I can't imagine him keep getting paid in 2015 if he has another down year, and he is more likely to have one in a role player type of situation with the Niners.
 

 

[tims4wins]

One possible explanation from the Niners' perspective: apparently Johnson played really well against Sherman in 2012
 
http://presnapreads.com/2013/05/16/richard-sherman-the-numbers-the-tape-the-verdict/

 

[DanoooME]

I think a lot of that is the injury issues.  He had a groin and a back last year and dealt with a death in the family on top of that.
 
Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for that pick to the Bills to be only a fourth because Johnson didn't play well.  But if he's healthy I think he'll rebound.

 

[Tony C]

It's also playing with Manuel and with a poor O-line -- not that the Bills were ever super talented, but a rookie QB rushing throws will depress a guy's numbers.

I think this is a nice deal for the 9ers and I'm not sure what the Bills plan is. As scary as Sammy W will be in the division, I love these spinning wheels moves from a division rival. The Bills aren't terrible and Manuel showed flashes last year, so am glad to see them making some inexplicable moves.

 

[soxfan121]

SF needs competent WRs, which is what happens when you completely blow a 1st round pick. Johnson is competent. Seems like a reasonable price, too.