Stevie Johnson is headed to San Diego. Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver Stevie Johnson signed with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday, less than one week after his release from the San Francisco 49ers.
He started just one game and appeared in 13 with 35 receptions for 435 yards and three touchdowns.
Johnson spent one season with the 49ers and didn’t meet expectations. He visited the Chargers on Friday and spent Monday in Foxborough with the New England Patriots.
The Chargers have chased but lost out on several receivers, including attempts to re-sign Eddie Royal (Bears) and a failed bid for Andre Johnson (Colts). There was reportedly interest in former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts III, but he joined the Houston Texans on Monday.
Royal left in free agency for a three-year deal with the Bears that includes guaranteed base salaries in his first two seasons. Royal is expected to start in Chicago along with quarterback Jay Cutler, who was on the trigger end of Royal’s 91-catch season with the Denver Broncos.
Age is becoming a concern in San Diego with tight end Antonio Gates at age 35 and Malcom Floyd, quarterback Philip Rivers’ primary deep threat, will be 34.
The Patriots return their top receivers — Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski — but were familiar with Johnson from his previous six-year stint with the Buffalo Bills.
San Diego has now signed eight unrestricted free agents.
