The Facts: With a new coaching staff, a base salary of $5.5 million, a $275,000 workout bonus, and a $250,000 roster bonus due in March, the 49ers want Johnson to take a pay cut, per a league source. According to another source, however, a request to accept less has not yet been made.

Diehards Line: Diana Russini of NBC 4 in Washington reports that the 49ers are expected to release Johnson. It’s possible he’ll simply be cut without any discussion about taking less. Chances are, however, that a cut would be preceded by a negotiation. Eventually, Johnson most likely will be asked to take less in order to stay. ... Acquired via trade in 2014, Johnson never became fully engaged in the offense, resulting in only one start, 35 catches, 435 yards, and three touchdowns. We'll be watching for more.