The Buffalo Bills' top receiver is staying put. At Ralph Wilson Stadium this morning, the Bills announced that wide receiver Stevie Johnson has signed a long-term contract extension.
Johnson led the team in receiving for the second straight year in 2011 with 76 receptions. He became the first player in franchise history to record 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
Johnson told reporters he got his start with the Bills and he wanted to remain loyal to the team because the team has been loyal to him.
"This is the only group that I've known since I've been in the NFL," said Johnson. "There's a lot of promise here and I love working with these guys."
Despite his accomplishments, Johnson says he wasn't tempted by the open market.
"I know where I wanted to be, so it wouldn't have made any sense to go see [if] this team wanted me or that team wanted me. It doesn't matter. What's the point in looking at that if you know where you want to be, and this is where I want to be," said Johnson.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team, but ESPN reports it is worth $36.25 million over five years.
CEO Russ Brandon today refused to comment on former Bills head coach Gregg Williams, who is under investigation for allegedly putting a "bounty" on opposing players. Williams is scheduled to meet with league officials today to discuss the matter.