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San Diego Chargers Sign WR Stevie Johnson to 3-Year Deal

A week into free agency, the San Diego Chargers have finally landed a receiver to help replace the production of Eddie Royal.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers finally land a wide receiver in free agency. After failed attempts to sign Andre Johnson and re-sign Eddie Royal, Stevie Johnson visited the Chargers on Friday. He also visited the Patriots, but ultimately chose to catch passes from Philip Rivers instead of Tom Brady.

Johnson, who will turn 29 in July, came in to the league in 2008 with the Bills as a 7th round pick. His most productive seasons were 2010 and 2012, topping 1,000 receiving yards each time. He spent last year in San Francisco, where he only managed to see 305 snaps in a somewhat dysfunctional offense.

He did make the most of his snaps, however. He registered a +6.0 grade on Pro Football Focus, and managed 3.0 yards per route run out of the slot. For perspective, Eddie Royal (in a lot more attempts, nonetheless, had 1.31).

Johnson will help stabilize the receiving corps, but considering Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates are both in contract years (and old), this signing shouldn't prevent the Chargers from drafting a receiver early.