Rumors circulated a few weeks back that the Houston Texans would release veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson after this season if he did not agree to take a pay cut. When asked about such an outcome, Johnson seemed amenable to reworking his contract and expressed his interest in staying in Houston for the remainder of his career.
"Nobody wants to hear that," Johnson said to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle regarding his possible pay cut. "But it's the nature of the business. I've seen it happen, heard it happen, had it happen to friends of mine. I understand that."
Johnson may have been an All-Pro caliber receiver in his prime, but at 33 years old and coming off a down year, he isn't worth the enormous price tag. Johnson's base salary will increase to $10.5 million in 2015 and $11 million in 2016. Those salaries carry with them significant cap hits of $16 million and $14.675 million, respectively. That type of compensation should be reserved for true No. 1 receivers, which Johnson is no longer. Second-year receiver DeAndre Hopkins has taken over as the primary pass catcher for the Texans.
John caught 75 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns this season. Considering his current level of play, Johnson's uncle and business advisor Andre Melton seemed to take a realistic approach to his nephew's contract situation.
"We understand it's a business and we're willing to deal with that," Melton said. "And Andre doesn't mind having a pay cut."
If Johnson is serious about his desire to finish his career in Houston, it is likely he will agree to some type of restructuring that carries a lower cap hit over the next two seasons. However, the possibility always remains that he could wind up on someone else's roster. It wasn't long ago that the Texans were worried about a potential hold out from Johnson before this season began. Anything is still possible.
"They're going to come in the offseason and say, 'Hey, Andre: This is what we need to do," Melton said. "If we can come to some type of common ground with everybody where everybody can be happy, then we'll work on that, that'll be find. And if we can't, it will be sad to say...But we'll see who can give (us) a shot at a ring."