Report: 49ers want WR Stevie Johnson to take pay cut
The San Francisco 49ers want wide receiver Stevie Johnson to take a pay cut, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Johnson, 28, is due $5.5 million in base salary this season, plus a $275,000 workout bonus and $250,000 roster bonus, according to Spotrac.com. He was traded to the 49ers last May from the Buffalo Bills and over 13 games, caught 35 passes for 435 yards and three touchdowns, his least productive season since he appeared in only five games in 2009.
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Dianna Russini of NBC 4 in Washington reported on Saturday that the 49ers "are expected" to release Johnson, but it is unclear if a release would come with plans to renegotiate Johnson's contract. Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com also reported that the 49ers "are prepared" to release Johnson.
In addition to Johnson, the 49ers could lose receivers Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd to free agency beginning March 10. Veterans Anquan Boldin and Trindon Holliday are also entering the final years of their contracts.
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The 49ers have a new coaching staff for 2015, with former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula taking over for Jim Harbaugh after an 8-8 season that kept San Francisco out of the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
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