Andre Johnson made headlines on Wednesday when he noted that he was not thrilled with playing for the Houston Texans. He told the media that the losing paired with constant coaching changes have made it difficult to stay loyal to the franchise and he would not turn down a trade if one was presented to him. Still one of the league's elite receivers, plenty of teams would line up to try and get him, but the Texans say they are going to work things out.
"Now I'm on my third head coach, that's something I give thought to," Johnson said, via ESPN.com. "I just look over my career, is it a place? I've only been to the playoffs twice. I think we've only had three winning seasons, two 8-8 seasons. I don't think any player wants to experience that. You go through a rebuilding process, some people say it's not rebuilding, some people say it's a quick fix. Everybody has their own opinion. But I've been through this more than once. When I make my decision, I'll make my decision."
Johnson was quick to say that he was under contract and intended to honor that deal, but again, would not rule out a trade if Houston pulled a deal off. However, the Houston Chronicle reports that head coach Bill O'Brien and Johnson were meeting and would work things out and that Johnson would not be going anywhere. John McClain reports that a trade does not help Houston for at least this season and the veteran would not be getting traded.
There certainly is interest in the wide receiver if he is available. The Cleveland Browns appeared to be the frontrunner to make a deal for the receiver considering they are losing Josh Gordon for a chunk of the season if not the whole thing. The Browns also have the cap space to take on Johnson's contract. However, the team announced they signed Earl Bennett to a contract to fit the need and will no longer pursue Johnson.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald is reporting that the New England Patriots are expected to call about Johnson's availability no matter what the Texans are saying. While New England is not one to splurge on talent, they could easily get Johnson and restructure his contract immediately to be a bit more cap friendly. Right now, the Patriots do not lack for wide receivers, but pairing Johnson with someone like Danny Amendola would be a reminder of the Randy Moss/Wes Welker days.
Financially, the Texans can keep Johnson for at least one more season. His salary for 2014 is a reasonable $6.5 million with another $1 million roster bonus. He then jumps to $10.5 million in 2015 which could be when the Texans opt to deal him.
