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ESPN'S Adam Schefter was the first to report that the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills worked out a trade to send veteran receiver Stevie Johnson to the 49ers. The 49ers had to part with a conditional 2015 4th round draft pick that can be upgraded to a 3rd rounder.
If you don't like the sound of the trade, don't worry. You're not the only one.
The St. Louis Rams coaches aren't happy to hear about this either.
Reaction to Stevie Johnson trade to NFC West rival 49ers in Rams coaching offices, in a word: Ugghhh
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 9, 2014
Now let's get something straight: Johnson isn't an elite receiver, but he is still pretty damn good.
The last four years, he's caught over 1,000 yards for the Bills three times with last year being his down year. Johnson and Anquan Boldin will more than likely spend time alternating in the slot and outside. The 49ers also still have receiver Michael Crabtree, tight end Vernon Davis, and running back Frank Gore.
Johnson isn't a pure speed guy like everyone thought the 49ers would be interested in. Also, this is Michael Crabtree's last year under his current contract so this could signal the end of Crabtree's time with the 49ers. With all of their picks remaining, the 49ers could still draft a developmental deep threat receiver, or live with the current core that they have. And we're talking about two picks in the second round and a trio in the 3rd.
Great thing about trading for Stevie Johnson, @49ers still have all their 2014 draft picks.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) May 9, 2014
What this means for the Rams is although their defense is still stacked, they probably should still draft a slot corner or safety today.