It looks like the end of Andre Johnson’s tenure in Houston is coming very close to its end.
It is being reported by John McClain of the Houston Chronicle that the Texans have “given the 12-year receiver’s agent, Kennard McGuire, permission to seek a trade, and if a deal cannot be worked out, Johnson will be cut and free to negotiate with any team.”
Johnson, who is under contract for two more seasons, was asked to take a reduced role in the offense next season. When the wide receiver declined the role, he asked to be either traded or cut and the team will grant his wish.
Johnson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 draft, has played his entire 12-season career with Houston, catching 1,012 passes for 13,597 yards and 64 TDs and is coming off a year in which he hauled in 85 receptions for 936 yards and three touchdowns.
The 33-year old, who will turn 34 in July, has also made seven Pro Bowls.
A trade seems to be sort of unlikely, as teams around the league know that the two sides are coming to a split. The Texans really don’t have much leverage at all in the situation.
Houston will save $8.825 million against the cap if Johnson is traded or cut, placing them $21.9 million under the new cap.
The trade seems even more unlikely when you have to take into account that Johnson is owed $10.5 million this season and then another $11 million the year after that.
Even with increasing age, Johnson is still a productive receiver who is excellent at going up and getting the ball even when covered. A team, most likely a contender, looking to add a solid number two receiver with a lot of experience will surely give Johnson a chance.
The expected move of Johnson will result in DeAndre Hopkins taking over the No. 1 role. He certainly looks the part, after exploding in his sophomore season for 76 receptions for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns.
Although a break-up was expected at some points, it will be very weird to see Johnson, a future Hall of Famer, in a different uniform in 2015.
