Andre Johnson is expected to be released by the Houston Texans after not being able to find a trade and now teams like the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys could be interested in the receiver, as he will be a free agent on the market after he is cut.
Johnson was expected to be on another team in 2015 after reports came out that he was going to have reduced role if he stayed in Houston. According to the Houston Chronicle, the team gave Johnson the chance to seek a trade, but no deal was made. Teams likely did not want to give up picks or players for someone that likely would be released soon. The Texans are prepared to move on from Johnson, who has spent his entire career with the franchise and has put up Hall of Fame numbers.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Ravens, Patriots, Seahawks, Browns, Raiders, Vikings and Cowboys all could be potential landing spots for Johnson. The Ravens were mentioned as an option when a trade was on the table and now that Torrey Smith is confirmed to be leaving Baltimore, they may look at bringing in Johnson. The Patriots are preparing to cut Danny Amendola according to reports and they could look at Johnson as an option on the market as well.
Johnson is coming off of a solid season, but at 34 years old his production is likely to drop and he also has a high cap hit for the Texans. The team is going to make the move on Monday and that will clear out his salary and $21 million that is left on his contract. Johnson and the team could not find a trade partner and now he will hit the market as a potential target for numerous teams.
Johnson is a potential option for the Eagles, as the team got rid of DeSean Jackson last year and lost Jeremy Maclin in free agency. Chip Kelly is totally reshaping his team and the veteran could be an option if the team doesn't add anyone else at receiver in free agency. The Vikings have a gap at wide receiver, as Greg Jennings could be released and the team may want some more experience alongside Cordarrelle Patterson.
The Cleveland Browns have Josh Gordon suspended for the 2015 season and that could force the team to take a look at Johnson. The Cowboys have Dez Bryant coming in on a franchise tag if they can't reach a new deal and while they signed Cole Beasley, Jerry Jones could look at adding Johnson for depth once he hits the free agent market.
Johnson told the Houston Chronicle that he was told that he would have a reduced role in the offense next year and would catch "only 40 balls" if he stayed in Houston. Johnson scoffed at those remarks and while he is 34 years old, the receiver still feels he can be a strong contributor. The team now will push DeAndre Hopkins into the top spot and the Texans have reportedly been talking with Brian Hartline about signing with the team.
