Andre Johnson practices, content with contract progress

HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston Texans owner Bob McNair says he hopes to sign Andre Johnson to a new contract within "a couple weeks" and keep the star receiver in Houston for his entire career.

Johnson participated in the team's first training camp workout on Friday, setting aside his still unresolved contract situation. He wants a new deal, even though he has five years left on his current $60 million contract, but he also said he didn't want to become a team distraction by holding out. Raheel Ramzanali, live from training camp, reports via Twitter that Andre Johnson says he wants to be the highest paid receiver in the NFL and is confident a deal will get done soon.

"Texans owner Bob McNair made it clear he's going to reward Andre Johnson w a huge contract soon. I'd say by preseason opener Aug. 14." 

Johnson briefly sat out of OTAs this summer, but quickly returned for work after hiring a new agent.  He also quietly showed up for training camp on time and didn't express serious concern about his contract.

Now we know why.

You can argue that the Texans are setting a bad business precedent for the the team, but we don't fully buy it.  There just aren't other players like Andre Johnson.

Still, other NFL owners won't love the concept behind this deal.  While other front offices hide behind "labor uncertainty," McNair appears ready to reward a player signed through 2014 out of the goodness in his heart.

Johnson led the NFL with 1,569 receiving yards in 2009 and topped 100 catches for the third time in four years. He says he's not worried about his contract, though he conceded he would like to become the league's highest-paid receiver.

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(profootballtalk.com)