The Andre Johnson era with the Houston Texans appears to be over. According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the team has granted Johnson permission to seek a trade and will release the future Hall of Famer outright if no deal can be reached.
According to McClain, the Texans wanted Johnson to take on a reduced role next season. That’s something that the seven-time Pro Bowler wasn’t willing to do. It’s also something that would have led to a reduced salary.
The Texans wanted Johnson, who will turn 34 in July and will be a Hall of Fame candidate when his career is over, to take a reduced role next season, and he declined, according to people familiar with the situation, who also disclosed the two sides never discussed his contract. Rather than accept the reduced role, Johnson asked to be traded or cut.
Johnson’s cap figure was slated to be over $16 million in 2015. If the Texans do end up having to release the veteran, they will save over $8 million against the cap.
The 12-year NFL veteran has recorded 1,012 receptions for nearly 14,000 yards and 64 touchdowns in his extensive career. In fact, he ranks ninth on the all-time reception list. The 33-year-old receiver has also recorded seven 1,000-yard seasons in his career.
With news breaking that the Texans will release Johnson if a trade is not worked out, it stands to reason that the team wouldn’t receive a whole lot in return. If Johnson is released, he adds to an already stacked free-agent class at the wide receiver position.
Photo: USA Today