Common bond for Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson

The texting was hot and heavy between two close friends who also happen to be two of the NFL's top receivers.

Through the early portion of the preseason, the electronic dialogue connecting the Indianapolis Colts' Reggie Wayne and Houston's Andre Johnson -- former University of Miami teammates and four-time Pro Bowl selections -- focused on what Johnson ultimately would receive and Wayne was seeking.

That would be a contract extension.

"It's kind of weird,'' Wayne said. "This offseason we were talking about that. Once he got his contract done, I texted him, 'Congratulations.' First thing he asked me was, 'So, what's up with yours?' ''

Wayne's reply to Johnson was short and not-so-sweet.

"Absolutely nothing.''

Wayne paused, then continued his conversation with local media.

"At least somebody's getting paid,'' he said. "I'd like to send a congratulations out to Miles Austin. He got paid.''

Even though Johnson had five years remaining on his contract, Houston responded to his demands and gave him a two-year extension that could be worth as much as $38.5 million if he hits every trigger and included $13 million in guarantees. He's tied to the Texans through 2016 and could earn up to $73.5 million over the next seven seasons.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones reached deep and gave Austin a six-year, $57 million contract.

Wayne boycotted all Colts activities during the offseason as he sought an extension that never materialized. He's under contract through 2011 and will earn $5.47 million this season and $5.95 million in '11.

In July, during the absence of Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis, team president Bill Polian said the Colts didn't have the ability to consider extensions for either, in part due to the NFL's labor uncertainty.

"I've got two years left,'' Wayne said. "I'm going to do my time and see where I go from there.''

So, he's come to terms with the Colts' no-extension stance?

"I ain't got no choice,'' he said. "I can read between the lines. I know what's going on. I'm not going to let that affect my production.''

No one should question Wayne's commitment or dependability. Among receivers over the past six seasons, he ranks No. 1 in receptions (532) and yards (7,494), and is No. 5 in touchdowns (52).

The problem with Wayne is timing. Johnson is 29 and Austin 26. Wayne will be entering his 12th season and will be 33 when his current contract is up.

"In two years, I'll worry about that,'' he said.

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(indystar.com)