Last week, we showed why the framework for finding out DeSean Jackson's true market worth could be set by Stevie Johnson's next contract. Today, reports are that Johnson's deal could be close to getting done.

The Buffalo Bills and representatives for Stevie Johnson have exchanged proposals and are expected to meet at next week’s NFL Combine, a league source told The Buffalo News.

The Bills submitted a proposal over a week ago and Johnson’s agent, C.J. LaBoy, countered the team’s offer on Monday, according to the source. There have been no further talks although the two sides are scheduled to meet next week in Indianapolis.

The Buffalo News doesn't really say whether the sides are close or not, but merely the fact that they are talking, exchanging offers and plan to meet further shows that there's progress. If Johnson got a deal done before free agency, that would certainly give the Eagles and Drew Rosenhaus a pretty reasonable base to start from on a fair market deal for DeSean Jackson.