With the Houston Texans entering a rebuilding phase, the team has still yet to see their biggest offensive star in the building. With OTAs complete and mandatory minicamp around the corner, Andre Johnson has still not been present at any team related workouts after he made comments regarding his unhappiness with the direction of the franchise. With questions now rising about his future in Houston, head coach Bill O'Brien is doing his best to weather the storm.
O'Brien acknowledged the absence of Johnson after OTAs. When pressed about the potential appearance at mandatory minicamp in a week, the head coach simply said, "You know, again, I don't know." That is all O'Brien can really saw regarding the disappearing act of the franchise-leading receiver. Johnson remains under contract through 2016, but the receiver has hinted at wanting a trade this offseason to somewhere better built for winning. Johnson may be the team's best performer, but he is tired of losing and last season's 2-14 record appears to have pushed him over the edge.
O'Brien stresses that the two have talked on numerous occasions, noting that discussions have been amicable and positive. However, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that Johnson is very unhappy with his situation in Texas and is hoping this holdout could force a trade.
The Texans have given no indications they are shopping Johnson. Financially it simply would not make sense. The Texans have to pay Johnson either way unless the wide receiver sits out the season which would make him forfeit a $10 million salary. That is not happening. ProFootballTalk.com notes that unless Houston is blown away by a trade offer, no deal is coming and Johnson will either need to suck it up and play, give up salary or retire.
The New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders and New York Jets have all been linked to a potential deal for the wide receiver. It would cost a lot to get Johnson considering he is the franchise star. At this point, it seems unlikely that any team would offer up a high draft pick for Johnson, leaving his only option being a return to Houston.
The Texans need Johnson, plain and simple. Ryan Fitzpatrick cannot be successful without him. Houston is trying to handle a quarterback battle between a veteran and rookie and need Johnson to take the pressure off both players. Without the wide receiver, the Texans' offense looks unimpressive and could struggle again in the upcoming season.
