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Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, who spent 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before one with the New England Patriots, joined ESPN's First Take this week with Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, and Molly Qerim.
Johnson, who has been friends with and worked out with Antonio Brown for years, was asked about the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro receiver.
Brown has made it clear that he would like a change of scenery and regularly hints (not so subtlely) that his location of choice would be the San Francisco 49ers. So, of course, Johnson was asked by Qerim where he would like to see Brown end up.
"As a friend, the 49ers," Johnson responded.
Smith, who has been vocal that San Francisco doesn't make a whole lot of sense because he doesn't feel the team is close to success, didn't like that answer.
Johnson defended his response by indicating that Jimmy Garoppolo will emerge as a top quarterback. He was asked if Garoppolo is the "real deal."
Johnson responded, "Is he the real deal? Why do you think he's not in New England? Think about it. Why is Garoppolo not in New England?"
While Smith acknowledged that Garoppolo can play, he interrupted Johnson while calling the 49ers quarterback "porn-star Jimmy."
"He can play? No, he can ball," Johnson continued.
The former NFL receiver went on to explain that he believes Tom Brady, who has no plans to retire anytime soon, wanted Garoppolo out of New England.
"That's something over your shoulder that you don't want, Johnson added. "Not that type of talent. That's a lot of pressure."
John Lynch wants Brandon Aiyuk to remain with 49ers for rest of career
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
Rumors have swirled regarding the situation between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is entering his fifth NFL season and is slated to earn $14.124 million on a team-executed fifth-year option. Despite the 49ers publicly declaring a desire to sign Aiyuk to a contract extension, keeping him on the roster for the foreseeable future, many rumors have focused on potential trade interest.
On Monday, general manager John Lynch held his annual pre-draft press conference, addressing the Aiyuk situation without revealing any information on the conversations that have taken place behind closed doors. Once again, he emphasized that the 49ers want Aiyuk to remain with the team for the remainder of his career.
When asked if there was a chance Aiyuk
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk seemingly celebrates news of Amon-Ra St. Brown's deal
By David Bonilla
2 hrs
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is in high spirits, and it's no wonder why. He's well aware that his bank account is about to get a significant boost, one way or another.
Aiyuk posted a video to Instagram, showing himself dancing and seemingly celebrating the good fortune of one of his NFL peers. The Detroit Lions recently inked their star wideout, Amon-Ra St. Brown, to a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract extension. Aiyuk eagerly awaits his own deal from the 49ers and recognizes that the news out of Detroit will only strengthen his agent, Ryan Williams' hand at the negotiating table.
Brandon
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
