TAMPA, April 12 -- The Tampa Bay Bucaneers acquired Pro Bowl receiver Keyshawn Johnson from the New York Jets Wednesday in exchange for two first-round draft picks -- the 13th and 27th overall selections -- and then signed him to a multi-year contract that reportedly makes him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the New York Daily News reported Johnson agreed to an eight-year contract worth $53 million with a signing bonus of $13 million.
"It's refreshing that Tampa Bay wanted to give up two first-rounders to get me and open up a checkbook to take care of a small fee," Johnson joked at the news conference announcing the deal. "I just definitely want to do my part and that's to contribute to a football team that made it to the NFC championship game last year."
After making the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons, Johnson asked to renegotiate his original contract, which had two years left to run. He was scheduled to earn $2.2 million in 2000, far below market value for an elite receiver in light of the contracts signed by Antonio Freeman and Joey Galloway, and threatened to sit out training camp if he did not get a new contract.
New York was unwilling to renegotiate since it was strapped under the salary cap and entertained trade offers. Tampa Bay, the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Redskins all expressed interest.
"This league is a league of changes," Johnson said. "I think this was a surprise to all of us. It happened because a lot of things went on in New York with the salary cap."
If the Jets had given in to Johnson, they likely would not have been able to re-sign free agent outside linebacker Mo Lewis, who was designated as a franchise player.
The trade gives the Jets an unprecedented four first-round picks in Saturday's draft. They also own the 16th and 18th selections.
It has been speculated the Jets may try to package as many as three No. 1 picks in an attempt to acquire one of the top three selections in the draft.
"The acquisition of two more first-round picks creates many opportunities for us in the draft including more maneuvering," new Jets coach Al Groh said.
The Cleveland Browns have the top overall pick and the Washington Redskins own the second and third selections. Defensive end Courtney Brown and linebacker LaVar Arrington of Penn State, tackle Chris Samuels of Alabama and wide receiver Peter Warrick of Florida State are expected to be the top four picks in Saturday's draft.
The Buccaneers and Jets tentatively agreed to the trade late Monday, but it was contingent on the Bucs reaching a contract agreement with Johnson before Thursday. After a day-long session, Johnson's agent, Jerome Stanley, and Bucs general manager Rich McKay closed the deal early Wednesday.
The Bucs have long searched for a game-breaking receiver to loosen up defenses, which consistently stack the line of scrimmage to stop Tampa Bay's running game.
The 27-year-old Johnson was fourth in the AFC last season in receptions with 89 for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns despite playing virtually the entire season with quarterbacks Ray Lucas and Rick Mirer. He has hauled in 305 passes for 4,108 yards since being drafted out of Southern California with the first pick in the 1996 draft by the Jets.
Tampa Bay will likely have to release some players to fit Johnson's exorbitant salary under the cap. Receiver Bert Emnauel, who is in the middle of a four-year, $16.8 million contract, is a probable casualty.
If the Jets stand pat with their four first-round picks, they likely will select one or two receivers. After Warrick, Plaxico Burress of Michigan State, Travis Taylor of Florida, Sylvester Morris of Jackson State and Dez White of Georgia Tech are rated as the top receivers.
The Jets and Buccaneers will meet in Week 4 of the 2000 season on Sept. 24 at Tampa Bay.