Jaguars Sign Johnson; Release Stokes

[Perfection]

Jaguars claim Kevin Johnson off waivers

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Associated Press
11/12/2003

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - When top-line receiver Kevin Johnson became available Wednesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a few questions.

First among them: How soon could Johnson get to town?

Continuing their nonstop search for receiving help, the Jaguars signed Johnson, the fifth-year veteran who led Cleveland in receptions this season, but was surprisingly released by the Browns on Tuesday.

To make room, Jacksonville released J.J. Stokes, once viewed as a possible answer to their problems, but who had only 13 catches this year and spent a good portion of the season on the inactive list.

Browns coach Butch Davis wasn't happy with Johnson's performance of late, but the Jaguars weren't too concerned.

"Like we do with all players, we researched it, and we feel pretty satisfied with the player changing scenery,'' player personnel director James Harris said. "He's getting an opportunity to get a fresh start.''

No team gives more receivers fresh starts than Jacksonville.

The Jaguars had already taken chances on Stokes, whose reputation as an underachiever preceded him; Matt Hatchette, who was out of the league last season; and Troy Edwards, whose prickly reputation left him on the job market for more than a month after he was cut in the pre-season.

Johnson was leading the Browns with 41 catches for 381 yards this season, but Davis took his starting job away last week, displeased with his play. Now, Johnson will have a chance to start opposite Jimmy Smith. He arrives Thursday, and soon after, coach Jack Del Rio will decide whether to activate him for Sunday's game against Tennessee.

"I think it's a perfect situation for me,'' Johnson said. "They have some nice skill players, and their young quarterback looks like he's going to be a great player. It will be nice to be able to learn behind Jimmy Smith and it will be a fresh start for me.''

Two weeks ago in a loss to San Diego, Johnson dropped a crucial pass on fourth down in the fourth quarter, cut short a route that led to an interception and underthrew a pass on a reverse that should have been a touchdown.

Davis was disappointed, and for only the second time in 73 games, Johnson didn't start last week against Kansas City.

"We have been trying for almost three seasons to help Kevin perform to the level of expectations we have had for him,'' Davis said Tuesday.

The Browns signed Johnson to a four-year extension with a $3.5 million US signing bonus before last season. He was first pick of the second round - the second player the Browns took behind Tim Couch when they re-entered the league in 1999. He hoped to end his career in Cleveland, but instead finished there with 315 catches, good for fourth on the team's all-time list.

Johnson said getting cut was "a complete shock to me.''

By taking him off waivers, the Jaguars will assume the unpaid portion of his contract - not including the bonus - which was worth $13.35 million when the Browns signed the extension. He is due to make $950,000 this season.

"He's a productive player in this league, he makes plays, he gave us a chance to upgrade the roster, so we put a claim in," Harris said.