Most of the offseason for the Houston Texans has focused around the lingering absence of wide receiver Andre Johnson. After publically questioning the direction of the team and his future with the franchise, Johnson opted not to show up to any of the offseason workouts and has since said he would not deny a trade if it came to that. While the Texans remain confident Johnson will return as the leading receiver, he is not so sure and has the backing of his teammates as training camp approaches.
Arian Foster fully supports Johnson's unhappiness with the Texans. The wide receiver first noted that he was simply tied of losing and reportedly asked for a trade, something the Texans are not willing to put together. Johnson is easily the most important member of Houston's offense heading into the 2014 season, but running back Foster says that Johnson must do what makes him happy.
"I understand where he's coming from, I really do," Foster said, via ESPN.com. "This is a business, and people forget that it's a business. He's at the point of his career where he doesn't want money now. He just wants to go win. Ultimately that's one of my friends outside the field. So I want him to do what's best for him. If he doesn't feel like playing anymore, he wants to hang it up, then I'll support him. If he wants to come back and help us win, I'm all for that as well."
Financially and statistically speaking, the Texans will not trade Johnson. Head coach Bill O'Brien has made that stance known as Houston has no plans to let their leading receiver walk away. Johnson is due $10.5 million this season, but will miss out on a $1 million roster bonus after skipping workouts. It would actually cost Houston money to release Johnson or even trade him. Releasing the wide receiver means $12 million against the team's salary cap.
There would of course be trade interest in Johnson, but the Texans cannot let the receiver go, at least not this season. If Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be successful as a starting quarterback, he needs Johnson on the field. Outside of the wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins headlines the group that gets significantly weaker after those two names. Plain and simple, Johnson, along with Foster and tight end Garrett Graham are expected to carry the offense. Foster has no doubt that when Johnson returns, he will be productive like always.
"He is Houston," Foster said. "I remember when I had my little run where I had like two back-to-back great seasons. I felt like this city loves me; they love me here. Everywhere I go, this is still Dre's city. I don't care if James Harden is walking around, Dwight Howard, whatever. This is Andre Johnson's city. He is Houston. That's what it means more than anything. He's been a staple here for so long."
