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Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson is expected to sign a three-year deal with the San Diego Chargers, according to Dianna Russini. The 49ers released Johnson last week, and thus he will not count for the comp pick formula
Johnson visited the Chargers and New England Patriots the last few days. Both teams provided quality quarterback options with potential to climb the depth chart. The Patriots have Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman as their top pass catchers, and neither is expected to go anywhere anytime soon. The Chargers have Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd, with the latter two nearing the end of their respective careers. It makes sense from that standpoint that he would pick the Chargers.
This has some bearing on the 49ers as the Chargers were a team reportedly interested in Michael Crabtree. They still might decide Crabtree is worth bringing in, but adding Johnson makes it less of a need. Crabtree's situation is hard to figure out. He is coming off a relatively down year, following missing most of 2013 with an Achilles tear. It is possible he ends up signing a one-year deal to boost his value, but his situation remains in flux.