Andre Johnson's future with the Houston Texans has been in question for the better part of a year. The wide receiver first made headlines last offseason when he doubted the direction the franchise was heading in. Johnson made it clear he was tired of losing. The 2014 season was much of the same in Houston, but Johnson changed his tune saying he was looking to remain with the franchise for the rest of his career. However, Johnson might not get to make the call on his future much longer.
According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, Johnson is at risk of getting cut heading into the 2015 free agency run. The wide receiver, who turns 34 in July, is signed to a large contract that no longer fits his age and stats. Johnson is a heavy $16 million cap hit on a team with big holes to fill. La Canfora writes that simply restructuring Johnson's contract might not be enough to help Houston out. Johnson pairs that with the waves he created asking for a trade last year and the Texans might not be the place the receiver ends his career. Head coach Bill O'Brien continues to take the easy approach with the media.
"I know that we would like to have him back, we'd like to see him retire a Houston Texan," O'Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. "But again, I don't think retirement is in his mind. When I say that, I just mean in the future. We don't want him to play anywhere else. He's a Houston Texan and we want him back."
The Texans have a lot of issues that they need to fix. The quarterback position will take priority as the team needs to either re-sign Ryan Mallett or find someone new to potentially take his place. They need help backing up Arian Foster and they need help in the secondary if players like Kareem Jackson exit. Johnson struggled once again in 2014 and while quarterback issues can be blamed, it also falls on the shoulders of the wide receiver. Johnson had just 936 yards in 2014 with three touchdowns. It was his worst yards-per-average in nine years and Houston might favor the space while getting younger at the position.
So where could Johnson head if he does get released from the Texans? The Seattle Seahawks could be a solid fit. Johnson doesn't need to be the star, just a piece to the rotation. The New England Patriots could also be a solid landing spot to run alongside Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. Johnson no longer has the speed and durability of a true No. 1 threat, but would be an excellent complement to a rotation. The New York Giants could also take a look to help with Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. The chances Johnson remains with Houston are pretty high. The receiver might have to agree to a pay cut, but if released, teams will take plenty of interest.
