“Career Backup” Doesn’t Suit Johnson
April 6th, 2011
Writers from the other Bay area just won’t let those Josh Johnson-to-the-Niners rumors die.
And this time Johnson himself hardly threw a bucket of cold water on the idea of him playing for San Francisco and his former coach, Jim Harbaugh.
Oakland Tribune columnist Carl Steward caught up with hometown hero Johnson before a charity basketball game this week.
“I feel like one day I will have my opportunity, but I enjoyed last year a lot,” he said. “Even though I wasn’t playing much, it was a very successful year on my end I feel because my development has increased.”
If rumors are true about the 49ers’ interest in Johnson, nothing can happen now since player trades can’t be made during the lockout. Whatever happens, Johnson is confident Harbaugh will guide the Niners to a new era of glory.
“He’s a great teacher who gets the best out of his players,” he said. “He’s going to push you, but from a player’s perspective, he isn’t over-the-top. He’s just very straightforward, for the most part, in what he expects. At the same time, he was a player, so he understands both sides of it.
Johson’s enters his fourth season and likely will become an unrestricted free agent in 2012, depending on the new labor agreement. At 25 years old when the 2011 ends, Joe can’t imagine Johnson will be content to sign a multiyear deal with the Bucs to try and reach Danny White or Don Strock status behind Josh Freeman — even if Raheem Morris already tagged him as a “career backup.”
Joe would have no problem if the Bucs set Johnson free now for a fifth-round pick and found a veteran QB who has won football games.
April 6th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
The Bucs have four years invested in JJ. I would not trade him for less than a 2’nd round pick or….. trade JJ, #20 & #51 picks for the 49’rs #7 & # 39 picks. Moving up in both rounds would be worth giving up the kid.
April 6th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Are there veteran QB’s who have won football games that are free agents this offseason? Not really. There’s Marc Bulger I suppose. Oh wait, immobile QB’s like Bulger are toast behind this o-line. Just ask Leftwich. The 2011 free agent QB list is laughable.
April 6th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Kurt Warner, and there goes $15 Million up in smoke.
April 6th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
I would hope that Dominik could get more than a 5th rounder. Hopefully he plays hardball with Harbaugh because Raheem really loves his Johnson.
April 6th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
I’d be upset if he gave him up for a 5th rounder. He’s worth more than that
April 7th, 2011 at 12:17 am
I had my doubts about JJ, but he really impressed me last year. I hope we keep him. But that’s probably unfair to the young man. if they want him so he can be their starter, that’s worth a second round pick.
But again, my selflish desire is that he stays.
April 7th, 2011 at 12:18 am
He’s probably worth a 4th round pick to the 49ers, but only if he can be traded pre-draft. After the draft they’d probably have to settle for a 5th or 6th. I think he’s a decent backup QB but certainly not good enough to hold onto if a trade is on the table.
April 7th, 2011 at 7:37 am
backup QB’s are a commodity and I do not see why we could not get anywhere from a 2nd to a 4th for JJ. He is not a shoe-in at the position, only in my opinion but he is by far an upgrade over the talent they have now at qb. I would have to agree with JJ too, he had the chance to develop more leadership qualities last year and learn from a peer. Johnson two years ago was skiddish and decision making was subpar but he seems to be on the incline and rising. No one ever doubted his talent but the question is his translation to the field and on Sunday’s when it count not just during pre-season. I say trade him and use that pick to manuever in the draft.
April 7th, 2011 at 8:55 am
A 5th rounder?!?!?! For a “veteran” QB that has won some games? Thank God Joe is not running the front office. His heart is in the right place, but… Please Rock Star GM Dominick disregard Joe’s last comment, perhaps he had a few too many at Leroy Selmons last night.
April 7th, 2011 at 9:19 am
People, they are going to lose him next year, if they can get a 4th rounder or higher, DO IT. There are other QBs to develop as a backup.
April 7th, 2011 at 10:42 am
Dave – you’re right. Joe you are right too. I was just havnig some fun. Get something for him now or lose him next year for nothing. It’s just hard losing JJ for a 5th rounder. I think that kid is gonna be something special in this league. Would love to get more, but giving up a higher pick on potential is a tough sell. But Dominick has worked miracles before (2nd rounder for Gaines) so anything is possible!
April 7th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Freeman’s tough, strong, and durable, but he isn’t invincible.
Think about it.
April 7th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
JJ is best served staying put in Tampa. He has similar skillsets comparible 2 our starting QB, along with some starting experience and being familiar with our coaches and our offense.
April 7th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Joe would give away Johnson for free if it meant the chance to bring back his hero , Byron Fatwich.
April 7th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Diary of a Wimpy Ruud:
Joe’s hero is Conrad Dobler.
April 8th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
I’d take 1 more year of having JJ as a backup over a 5th rounder. You trade him, you would need to draft another still to be the understudy, unless you feel Rudy Carpenter has potential to be anything other than a career 3rd stringer. If the Bucs are hoping to go deep into the playoffs next year, I’d feel better having a capable backup who knows this system and has the potential to make plays (mostly with his feet but still)