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.