Just one year ago, Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson was entering the preseason with optimism. His team was coming off a season in which it went 12-4 and made it to the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Now, his team is in the process of rebuilding after earning the No. 1 pick in this month’s NFL Draft. At 32, Johnson has made it clear to his team that he is considering moving on. Johnson does not want to be a part of a rebuilding process with only a few years left in his career.
The Texans, however, have the power to trade or release Johnson. Until that point, Johnson will stay with the Texans, equipped with the fifth new quarterback in three years and the fourth coach in Johnson’s 11-year career. But if Houston decides to part ways with Johnson, where could he go?
Contract and competitiveness
Two very important factors that could end up deciding where Johnson is the fact that he has three years and $34.5 million left on his contract and his want to end up on a team with a chance to win a Super Bowl.
Only a handful of teams could afford the cap hit that Johnson’s contract would elicit, so he might have to restructure it to end with the team of his choice. That team, however, most likely will be a strong one. Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Cleveland Browns will have trouble convincing Johnson that they are ready to win now.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers seem to be a great fit for what Johnson wants. There, Johnson would be the unquestioned No. 1 receiver and instantly make the Panthers a playoff contender. Johnson caught 109 passes for 1,407 yards and five touchdowns last season, so he’s proved that he can still lead a receiving corps.
Quarterback Cam Newton would love to get a another reliable receiver on a passing attack that lost Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn. With Johnson in the fold, the Panthers could become the favorites to win the NFC South.
However, the Panthers would need to restructure Johnson’s contract, as it would put the team over the cap limit. Should Johnson decide to do that, Carolina would be a perfect fit.
New England Patriots
Rumors flew after Johnson spoke about his interest in leaving the Texans. Many pegged Johnson to the Patriots in a trade for Ryan Mallett, a deal that would satisfy both parties. Johnson would join an already deep receiver corps for the Patriots.
Johnson may not be asked to do as much for the Patriots as he would the Panthers, but that might be what he needs. With Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski the favorite targets for quarterback Tom Brady, Johnson might be happy to caught a few less passes and maintain his health.
The Patriots have more cap room than the Panthers, which could be attractive to Johnson, despite the lesser role.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles could be a wild card in the Andre Johnson sweepstakes, as they lost their No. 1 receiver in DeSean Jackson this offseason. With Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper and newly-drafted Jordan Matthews in the fold, the Eagles are have a quality receiving unit.
However, what the team lacks is a No. 1 receiver who can catch 100+ a year and score touchdowns. Johnson can do both and would make the Eagles an instant Super Bowl contender, if they weren’t already.
Plus, the Eagles have $21 million in cap space, which means Johnson could keep his contract and be able to play out his three years. Who wouldn’t want $34.5 million?
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs should be interested in Johnson’s services right now, as running back Jamaal Charles led the team in receiving last season. Charles can’t be overworked, or he could find himself on the injured list quickly.
Dwayne Bowe has proven that he can’t produce at the No.1-receiver level, and the Chiefs know that. Donnie Avery’s numbers make more sense for a No. 3 receiver, and Alex Smith would welcome a new addition to his poor pass offense.