Andre Johnson Reportedly Wants Out Of Houston; Could Jets Be Interested?
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- He's getting up there in age and is very expensive but still makes total sense for a lot of teams, including the Jets.
Andre Johnson has reportedly asked Houston for a trade, and though the Texans sound like they are not interested in moving the future Hall of Fame wide receiver right now, the suitors are already lining up. According to the NFL Network four unidentified teams have called the Texans about Johnson.
Six weeks ago, when news of Johnson being disgruntled in Houston was first learned, WFAN.com's Jeff Capellini explained in detail why he'd be a perfect fit with the Jets. Two weeks later, running back Chris Johnson echoed that call, tweeting that his new team should make acquiring Andre Johnson a priority.
The Jets went into the offseason with receiver as their most glaring need and made strides by signing Eric Decker to a long-term deal, taking a flyer on speedy-but-oft-injured Jacoby Ford and drafting some kids they view as promising. But Johnson would fit perfectly opposite Decker and put at quarterback Geno Smith's disposal easily the best wideout tandem in the AFC East, if not the conference.
Johnson, who will turn 33 on Friday, has been nothing short of stellar throughout his 11-year career, registering 927 receptions. With two more average seasons he will be within reach of 15,000 career receiving yards, which only five players have attained.
Johnson has 254 receptions, 3,497 yards and 11 touchdowns since turning 30, including 109 catches and 1,407 yards last season.
Despite still having tons of salary cap space, the Jets may not be interested in trading assets for a player due roughly $33 million over the next three years. However, general manager John Idzik also has to be wondering if Decker, slot receiver Jeremy Kerley and then a bunch of question marks will be enough to help the Jets improve on their 8-8 season from a year ago.
According to the NFL Network, Johnson wants out of Houston for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the Texans are in the midst of a massive rebuild following last year's 2-14 campaign, and likely would need a miracle to make the playoffs, something Johnson desperately wants to participate in while he's still relevant.
Johnson is also upset because the Texans apparently won't give him another chance to earn a $1 million bonus he forfeited when he skipped offseason workouts. Johnson's logic is he's been a good soldier throughout his career, restructuring his contract three times over the years to help the club make needed moves. And though he never lost money in the restructures he did make himself more susceptible to being cut. He feels since he took that risk several times, the team should be more amenable toward giving him another chance to get his bonus, the NFL Network reported.
Johnson's problems and contract aside, the Jets should consider bringing him in if for no other reason than because the rival New England Patriots could very well step in, giving Tom Brady a bona fied No. 1 receiver in an offense already expected to be among the best in the NFL.
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