With Andre Johnson now on the trade market and likely to hit free agency, there are going to be a ton of teams interested in his services.
The future Hall of Fame receiver may be getting a little long in the tooth, but he’s still able to produce at a starter-caliber level. The seven-time Pro Bowler caught 85 passes for 936 yards and three scores last season. He did so with a wide array of average quarterbacks tossing him the rock.
It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out. If Houston is unable to trade Johnson, it will release him outright. That would set into motion a sweepstakes that could include at least a dozen squads.
Here’s a look at five potential destinations.
1. Seattle Seahawks
It’s not a secret that Seattle will have to go out there and find a starting receiver. No matter what Doug Baldwin and company may want us to believe, this wide receiver group is well below average. Outside of Baldwin himself, there isn’t even as much as a No. 3 receiver on the roster. We can also throw out Johnson’s cap hit of $16.1 million for next season. Whether he’s traded or released, that number promises to decrease a great deal.
While Seattle isn’t expected to be big-time players on the open market, there’s no reason to believe that it wouldn’t entertain a trade for Johnson. The veteran will come cheap in terms of compensation and would provide Russell Wilson with that consistent receiving threat he’s been missing since arriving in the Emerald City.
2. New England Patriots
This just makes too much sense. Everyone loves Julian Edelman, but it’s readily apparent that he’s not a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. In fact, Edelman would thrive even more as a slot guy in a No. 3 role behind Johnson and Brandon LaFell. That has to be the internal thought process in New England right now.
If the Patriots were to get Johnson, he would provide Tom Brady with that true top-end outside receiver that he’s been missing since Randy Moss was unceremoniously thrown out of town. Though, it must be noted that Johnson would have to take a dramatic pay cut in order to land in New England. The team is currently $12.685 million over the cap—a number that would decrease by $25 million should Darrelle Revis hit the open market.
3. San Diego Chargers
Those who were looking for Keenan Allen to become the Chargers unquestioned No. 1 receiver last year were sorely disappointed. The former third-round pick recorded 77 receptions for just 783 yards and four scores—the last two numbers lower than his rookie campaign. Heck, Malcom Floyd led the team in receiving yards. With Eddie Royal (778 receiving yards in 2014) set to become a free agent, San Diego will likely hit the free-agent market for a veteran receiver.
San Diego also possesses over $29 million in cap room. This is an indication that it could take on a rather lofty contract to provide Philip Rivers with another receiving weapon on the outside. And while Johnson doesn’t necessarily stretch the field, he’d be a consistent option for the veteran signal caller.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Now that Philadelphia did not place the franchise tag on Jeremy Maclin, it faces the real possibility of losing the talented receiver in free agency. Depending on how Maclin’s market plays out, Chip Kelly and company may very well decide to go with a cheaper option. And make no mistake about it, Johnson will come cheaper than Maclin next season.
It’s also important to note that Philadelphia has nearly $27 million in cap room, so it could afford to drop $7-$8 million for Johnson. In terms of how this might work out, what about a Johnson for Nick Foles swap? After all, we know Houston is in need of a young quarterback.
5. Carolina Panthers
Imagine Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Johnson lining up opposite one another with Cam Newton tossing them the rock. That’s the type of passing offense that could help Carolina take the next step towards conference championship contention. Right now, the Panthers are sorely lacking at receiver opposite Benjamin, who received 27 percent of Newton’s targets last season. It goes without saying that the young pass catcher will need someone to help him shoulder the load.
Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman dropped the ball big time in free agency last year. He simply cannot afford to do that again, especially with the team negotiating a long-term deal with its franchise quarterback. Adding Johnson would help Newton take the Panthers more seriously in said negotiations.
Photo: USA Today