Andre Johnson Contract: Latest Rumors and News on Negotiations with Texans

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Johnson may be on his way out of Houston if he doesn't take a reduced salary, via Around The NFL:

Andre Johnson could be on the roster bubble if he doesn’t take a pay cut, per @RapSheet.

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 26, 2015

Per Spotrac, Johnson is owed $10.5 million in salary and would be a $16.14 million cap hit in 2015, as he's entering the sixth season of a seven-year, $67.8 million contract.

CBSSports.com's Joel Corry brought up a pertinent point prior to Wednesday's report surfacing:

Andre Johnson will likely resist efforts by Texans for a pay cut w/Fitzgerald at $22M over the next 2 years. He makes $23.5M through 2016.

— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) February 18, 2015

Before detractors give Johnson too hard of a time about how he has already made plenty of money, etc., let's remember the quarterbacks the Texans have had in place for him.

The best option Johnson's ever had under center was Matt Schaub, who's been succeeded by the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Case Keenum. Houston hasn't fielded a roster good enough to get to the playoffs more than twice since Johnson was chosen No. 3 overall in the 2003 NFL draft.

Johnson has been a consummate professional and stuck by the Texans through their consistent losing. It'd be hard to blame him for refusing to take a pay cut.
If Houston does opt to release the veteran Pro Bowler, who will turn 34 in July, one can bet that plenty of suitors will pop up eager to land Johnson in free agency.
The chance to play for a contender elsewhere and the lack of incentive to budge on his salary leaves Johnson in a win-win situation.


(bleacherreport.com)