Texans moving on from Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson has a good chance of winding up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame down the road. Johnson, who has starred with the Houston Texans over the past 12 seasons, is about to become a free agent after the organization justifiably decided he is not worth the $16.14 million cap hit in 2015.

By cutting Johnson, the Texans will save $8.8 million against the cap while also saying goodbye to the best player in franchise history. J.J. Watt certainly has the chance to take over that mantle soon, but for now the choice is easily Johnson. Throughout his brilliant career, Johnson has amassed 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns. The yardage total ranks 12th all-time. With 1,000 more yards, Johnson will sit seventh, jumping the likes of Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Cris Carter, James Lofton and Henry Ellard.

Johnson still has some gas left in tank, although he’s getting close to empty. Over the past four seasons, Johnson has seen his yards per catch total decrease each year from 14.9 to 11.0. In 2014, Johnson registered 936 yards on 85 catches, the lowest totals since playing in seven games in 2011.

At 33 years old, Johnson is entering the twilight if his illustrious career. Once he hits the open market, Johnson will draw plenty of attention from teams in need of a receiver. The former University of Miami star will likely aim to play for a contender after being on a Houston team that never reached the AFC Championship game throughout his tenure.

A few franchises which could take a run at Johnson are the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. All could use another receiver and have a chance to make a run towards the Super Bowl immediately, with some further along than others.

Kansas City was without a touchdown from a receiver in 2014, the first team with that dubious distinction since 1950. The Chargers are ready to reload once more with Philip Rivers beginning to age, while the Packers could use Johnson to soften the blow of losing Randall Cobb. Seattle is a fit for a legitimate weapon on the outside, and the Colts might need to replace Reggie Wayne, who is mulling retirement.

Ultimately, Johnson will sign a deal somewhere between two and three years for $6 million per. The guaranteed money will be minimal compared to other star receivers because of Johnson’s age, making him doubly attractive. The guarantees will also be put towards the front of the deal, allowing a team to void the last year or two depending on Johnson’s production.

Johnson is one of the best to ever play. He will now be moving on, hoping to prove he still belongs.

About Matt Verderame

Matt Verderame, 26, is a New Yorker who went to school at the frozen tundra of SUNY Oswego. After graduating, Verderame has worked for Gannett and SB Nation among other ventures.

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