Andre Johnson prepared to catch passes from any QB next season

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is fully aware that he could be paired with a new starting quarterback this season. The best player in franchise history will attempt to find a quick rhythm with anyone the Texans select to lead them. But the 11-year veteran acknowledged he prefers to take the field with a QB who already knows the intricacies of the NFL.

“You want a guy that’s going to be able to come in and do the best job and play right away,” Johnson said Sunday during a media event at a downtown Houston restaurant. “Most of the time guys are looking for veterans because they have the most experience, they know what to expect. But sometimes you can find that young guy that can come in and pick it up right away and go out there and make plays for you.”

Johnson’s foundation is hosting its inaugural charity golf tournament Monday at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble. The event will benefit the Houston Area Women’s Center.

Texans quarterback Case Keenum joined ex-Texans players Vonta Leach and Dunta Robinson in supporting Johnson’s gathering.

Keenum, who is fully healthy after missing the final two games of 2013, intends to use the Texans’ overhaul of their coaching staff as an opportunity to prove he can become a starter again.

“That’s the beauty of a new coaching staff and a new system, is that everybody kind of starts out at zero,” Keenum said. “We all get to build new relationships and new trust.”

Johnson spoke with former starter Matt Schaub about two weeks ago. While many expect the veteran QB to be released when free agency begins Tuesday, Johnson said Schaub recently had the mindset that he would be a part of coach Bill O’Brien’s team in 2014.

“I get the feeling that he feels like he’s going to be here. … He’s in good spirits,” Johnson said. “I think this offseason was great for him, just to get away and clear his mind.

“As long as (Matt) is my teammate, me and him are going to be working together. Hopefully he’s still here. That’s out of my control but we’ll see what happens.”


(chron.com)