One way or another, Andre Johnson’s time in Houston will soon come to an end.
The Texans granted the franchise’s all-time leading receiver the ability to seek a trade. If no deal can be struck, the Texans will release Johnson and allow him to move on.
According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Johnson said he was told he would be given a significantly reduced role in 2015 if he remained on the roster.
“I don’t know how you tell a guy who catches 85 balls that he’ll only probably catch 40,” Johnson said. “I feel like the role they were trying to put me in I’d be held back from maximizing my talents. I feel like that was the best thing for both sides.”
Johnson caught 85 passes for 936 yards and three touchdowns last season for Houston. For his career, Johnson averaged 96 catches and 1,297 yards for every 16 games he played. Johnson feels like that production doesn’t warrant a reduced role.
“I don’t see why I wouldn’t be a starter in this league,” Johnson said. “It didn’t make sense to me. I’m pretty sure it won’t make sense to a lot of other people.”
That reduced role almost certainly would have come with a reduced paycheck as well. Johnson is scheduled to make $10.5 million next season on his current contract. That contract will also make it difficult for Johnson to find any teams willing to deal for him this offseason.
However, if (when) Johnson is released, he will surely get interest on the open market.