For a few months now, rumors have swirled concerning Andre Johnson’s desire to be traded away from the Houston Texans. Up until last week, it was just speculation, but last week Johnson confirmed to NFL Network that he wants to be traded.
Who can blame the 33-year-old Pro Bowl wide receiver? He has waited his entire career to play for a contending team, and the Texans find themselves in a rebuilding process just a year or so removed from a playoff berth. Johnson certainly wants to win before his career is over.
That leads us to the possible suitors for Johnson, who has a hefty $21 million dollars and two years left on his contract. Will anyone take a chance on Johnson? Here are some interesting possibilities going into training camp.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a decimated receiving corps that lacks a true No. 1 target. The team lost Steve Smith, Ted Ginn and Brandon LaFell to free agency and have only signed Jerricho Cotchery to replace them. If the Panthers want to be as competitive as they were last season, an upgrade like Johnson is necessary.
The problem for the Panthers will be the $5 million or so of cap space remaining. Johnson’s contract would put them over the cap limit, so the team will need to shed a few contracts in order to take aim at Johnson. I wouldn’t put that idea past them, though, as Johnson is the very type of player they need to compete for a second-straight NFC South title.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are seemingly always in the market for a wide receiver, and this year is no exception. With Kenbrell Thompkins as the team’s best deep threat, Johnson could step in to provide a Randy Moss-like effect on this offense.
However, the Patriots are in the same position as the Panthers, with just $6 million cap space left. Barring any cuts, the Patriots would be able to afford Johnson’s contract. In a trade involving back-up quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Patriots would get rid of some $3 million dollars, but they’d still need more space.
It seems unlikely that the Patriots will have what it takes to acquire Johnson, but you can’t count this team out. They usually get what they set out for.
Philadelphia Eagles
Let’s start with the obvious: The Eagles lost their No. 1 receiver and a deep threat in DeSean Jackson. They have Jeremy Maclin, who has speed, but his injury problems and lack of experience make some fear if he can become a No. 1 target for Nick Foles.
If the Eagles were to go after Johnson, they’d have enough money to do so. With $18 million in cap space, the Eagles could afford to send draft picks in return for Johnson. Draft picks might be what the Texans are looking for at this point in time, as it will take a few years to be competitive in the AFC.
The Eagles no the Jackson had a huge impact on their offense, and they would be wise to look for a replacement in Johnson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have tried to make Dwayne Bowe their No. 1 receiver, but he has failed to reach 1,000 yards in the past two seasons. If the Chiefs want to compete with the likes of the Denver Broncos, they’ll likely need to give Alex Smith more help.
If the Chiefs could get Johnson, they’d take some of the pressure off Bowe. Plus, they have about $10 million to work with this season, which would cover Johnson’s 2014 payout.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are one of the more intriguing teams that could emerge in the race for Johnson. The team has already been active this offseason, signing Ben Tate and Donte Whitner. Why not go after another high-profile name?
With Josh Gordon’s looming season-long suspension, the Browns need another threat at receiver. With $28 million in cap space, they sure could afford Johnson. The question would then be: Would the Browns want to sacrifice a slice of the future for Johnson? Given the excitement in Cleveland right now, it’s definitely possible.