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Stevie Johnson, San Diego Chargers strike contract

Stevie Johnson will remain on the West Coast.

The wide receiver will move south after agreeing to a deal with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday, the team announced.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Chargers will pay Johnson $10.5 million over three years -- can get up to $12 million, per a source informed of the deal.

The 28-year-old Johnson had been deciding between the Chargers and New England Patriots.

NBC's Dianna Marie Russini first reported the agreement with San Diego, adding that the decision came down to his family.

Johnson spent one season in San Francisco -- his birth home -- but never got on track with the 49ers, catching just 35 passes for 435 yards and three touchdowns.

In San Diego, Johnson had the clearest path to a No. 2 receiver role. After the Chargers lostEddie Royal to the Chicago Bears they needed a running mate for Keenan Allen.

Johnson had three 1,000-yard seasons from 2010 to 2012 before struggling with new, young signal-callers the past two years.

As an elusive route-runner well fitted for the option-game, Johnson can give press-coverage cornerback fits. However, his unique style also makes it difficult to create chemistry with quarterbacks. Philip Rivers represents far and away the best quarterback Johnson has played with in his entire seven-year career.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast is joined by Lindsay Rhodes and analyzes every free-agent move. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

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