Connect with us
Home » news » with johnson leaving texans need a receiver

News

With Johnson leaving, Texans need a receiver

Published

on

The Texans are about to live life without Andre Johnson.

The longest-tenured Texan and only remaining player tied to the franchise’s woeful expansion years will either be traded or released, with the latter more likely.

Johnson, who will be 34 in July, was asked by the Texans to take a reduced role. While a pay cut was never discussed, that would have been the obvious next step in the conversation. Johnson balked, deciding to leave behind the only team he’s ever played for.

The Texans will now enter free agency in need of another wideout to complement rising star DeAndre Hopkins. The team is also looking for a proven slot receiver after receiving disappointing production at the position in 2014.

Green Bay’s Randall Cobb tops the potential 2015 free-agent class. He could command a contract of at least $10 million annually, fitting the Texans’ budget, and would be a clear addition to their offensive system.

Philadelphia’s Jeremy Maclin, San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree, Baltimore’s Torrey Smith and Jacksonville’s Cecil Shorts are also top free-agent options.

The draft is loaded at receiver for the second consecutive year and the Texans hold the No. 16 overall pick. Louisville’s DeVante Parker, Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong and Missouri’s Dorial Green-Beckham should be available, with premier talent remaining in the second and third rounds.

Johnson has drawn the most attention in recent days, but the Texans have several more pressing issues.

Second-year coach Bill O’Brien doesn’t know who his starting quarterback will be in 2015. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, the team’s primary starter in 2014, is still on the roster and under contract for one more year at an affordable $3.2 million salary. But Fitzpatrick, 32, could be cut or traded, leaving the Texans with an open QB spot.

The team will make every effort to re-sign unrestricted free agent Ryan Mallett, who could receive more interest than expected in a weak QB market.

The Texans will retain the core of a 2014 team that surprised by going 9-7 in O’Brien’s first year. But they have several glaring needs and must be careful not to take a step backward in 2015.

Cornerback Kareem Jackson will command top dollar if allowed to enter the open market. Corner Johnathan Joseph will be 30 in April and has a $12.2 million salary-cap number.

Safety, linebacker, right defensive end and nose tackle are other positions of need for the Texans, who began the week about $13 million under the cap. By releasing Johnson, they would enter free agency with almost $22 million in cap space.

Since 1987, the Sports Xchange has been the best source of information and analysis for the top professionals in the sports publishing & information business

News

Buccaneers admit mistake, boot Aguayo

Published

on

In the NFL, it’s always better to admit a mistake than to compound it. For the Buccaneers, the decision to burn a 2016 second-round pick on kicker Robert Aguayo has proven to be a mistake. The Buccaneers made the definitive admission of their error on Saturday, cutting Aguayo. He exits with $428,000 in fully-guaranteed salary [more]

Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading

News

Did Bucs put too much pressure on Aguayo?

Published

on

After the Buccaneers surprised everyone by taking a kicker with the 59th overall pick in the draft, G.M. Jason Licht explained the move by heaping superlatives on the player. “I was very excited along with my staff and coaches about Roberto for a very long time,” Licht told PFT Live in May 2016. “It’s not [more]

Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading

News

Broncos holding their breath on Derek Wolfe

Published

on

Only two days after losing Billy Winn for the year with a torn ACL, the Broncos are now sweating out another potentially serious injury along the defensive line. Via multiple reports, Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe was carted off the field during practice on Saturday. It’s being described as a right ankle injury by coach [more]

Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk

Powered by WPeMatico

Continue Reading

The NFL On Twitter


Insiders On Facebook

Trending Now

Copyright © 2021 Insider Sports, Inc