Disgruntled Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson isn’t planning on taking part in offseason activities prior to the start of training camp in late summer. He’s openly discussed whether he has a future with the Texans, a sign that the two sides might move on prior to the start of the season.
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Johnson, a seven-time Pro Bowl performer, will turn 33 in July and is set to count $15.6 million against the cap in 2014. This limits potential interest in the veteran receiver to teams that have flexibility under the cap or can move some things around to fit him into their plans. Here are four potential trade destinations for the future Hall of Fame receiver.
New England Patriots
Where Johnson would be a tremendous fit for the Patriots, it’s highly unlikely that this scenario plays out. Remember, New England was one of the finalists to land former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson before it realized that the price tag was going to be too high. Why would it then turn around and trade for a 32-year-old receiver that is set to count over $45 million against the cap over the next three seasons?
Can we dispense with the formalities and just get to the bit where the Texans trade Andre Johnson to the Patriots? #itshappening
— Henry Hodgson (@nflukhank) May 17, 2014
This move would be similar to one’s that the Patriots have made in the past. Randy Moss, anyone? At this stage in his career and with a rather lofty price tag, it’s hard to imagine the Texans being able to get much in return should they decide to trade Johnson. The need is definitely there, as New England’s current starting wide receiver tandem is Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman.
Cleveland Browns
Whoa! I just had an idea I'm sure nobody, and I mean NOBODY, has thought of. Andre Johnson to the (wait for it) … Browns! You're welcome.
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) May 14, 2014
Josh Gordan’s potential suspension aside, Johnson would act as a solid veteran presence for a young Browns offense. Not just that, he’d immediately come in and be a big target for Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel under center. Flush with two first-round picks in the 2015 NFL draft and over $30 million in cap space, Cleveland has the capability to make a move for Johnson, even if it requires an earlier-round draft pick.
St. Louis Rams
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St. Louis was unable to pick up that big-bodied receiving threat opposite Tavon Austin in the draft. Instead, it is likely going to rely on a bunch of unknowns to provide a receiving target for Sam Bradford in 2014. That’s a less-than-ideal scenario for a Rams team that is going to be going up against elite defenses six times just within the NFC West itself. General manager Les Snead and Co. are sold on Bradford as the guy, so why not continue providing him the necessary weapons to succeed?
Denver Broncos
Andre Johnson wants out of Houston, would love to see him in a Broncos jersey! Broncos would have to restructure his contract
— Kevin Kissner (@KissnerRadio) May 14, 2014
Why not? Denver lost Eric Decker to the New York Jets in free agency and replaced him with rookie second-round pick Cody Latimer, who is going to be given every opportunity to start this upcoming season. Johnson would provide Peyton Manning with yet another No. 1 caliber wide receiver on the outside opposite Demaryius Thomas. We already know that Denver is going all in, which has been evident all offseason long. While Johnson’s price tag over the next three seasons is high, John Elway and Co. aren’t looking two years down the road right now.
All contract information provided by Spotrac.com
Photo: Thomas Campbell, USA Today