Jul 6th 2008 11:35AM by Ryan Wilson (author feed)
Filed under: 49ers, NFC WestAny news is good news when you’re talking about the 49ers offense. And even though the team signed Isaac Bruce to help improve the “pass offense,” the ’s Matt Barrows thinks another 2008 free agent wideout might have a bigger impact. I’m sticking to my guns on this one … I think that Bryant Johnson will do more damage this season than Bruce, who benefited from A.) playing most of his games on artificial surfaces and B.) playing opposite Holt. Johnson, meanwhile, is trying to parlay one year in SF into a huge payday in March. That is, he has a lot of motivation to go along with his considerable talent.Johnson was never considered anything more than the third receiver during his five-year career in Arizona. He was the team’s 2003 first-round pick, but was immediately overshadowed by Anquan Boldin (taken in the second round), and the Cardinals’ 2004 first-rounder, Larry Fitzgerald.

Still, he averaged more than 40 receptions a season, although he scored just nine career touchdowns and occasionally struggled with drop passes (for example, last season, he had a 52% catch rate).

That said, I think Barrows is right: Bryant’s on a one-year deal and looking to make some dough come next offseason. Plus, he’s seven years younger than Bruce, and perhaps more importantly, Mike Martz is running the offense (although that last nugget might not impress the Lions).