It is only a matter of time before the Houston Texans announce the release of veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson. This is not necessarily the plan the franchise had intended to follow, but it is the one Johnson requested. After being informed that his role on the team would be greatly reduced in 2015, Johnson made it clear he no longer wanted to play for the Texans. With trades not coming, the Texans will be forced to release the wide receiver and replace him.
According to NBA Washington's Dianna Marie Russini, due to the lack of trades presented to Houston, Johnson will be released on Monday prior to free agency beginning on Tuesday. Johnson confirmed the news to ESPN's Josina Anderson saying he is hoping to get picked up by a team with a great quarterback in place.
"Wherever I go, I hope I can play with a great quarterback," Johnson said, via ESPN.com. "I don't know. I'm just going to wait and see what happens. A lot of these teams want young players, so we'll just see what happens. I am open to visiting teams."
The Texans will now be forced to figure out a replacement of the wide receiver. Prior to the market opening, Houston got their quarterback position taken care of. Ryan Mallett re-signed with the team while Brian Hoyer inked a contract. Tom Savage will likely play third string after a Ryan Fitzpatrick exit. Now they just need a receiver to throw to. DeAndre Hopkins will be the No. 1, but needs a running mate to work with.
According to Houston Chronicle, Brian Hartline has already been in for a visit. Hartline left without a contract in place. The receiver is likely trying to see every offer that is on the table for him before making a decision of where to play. He would be a quality signing for the Texans as he remains one of the more reliable slot receiver players in the league right now. If Houston wants Hartline, they better put the hard sell on because the receiver is in high demand with free agency approaching.
With players like Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and Julius Thomas ready to sign with their respective teams, Hartline is one of the best available. He joins Michael Crabtree and Torrey Smith as the best options for the Texans. Hopkins is a great receiver, but he cannot do it alone as the Texans will need to act quickly to find his partner.