The Indianapolis Colts are "likely" to release wide receiver Andre Johnson this offseason, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. The Colts were expected to be one of the best offensive teams in the NFL this past season, but injuries at the quarterback position and a struggling offensive line led to a disappointing 8-8 season.
The Colts acquired two talented playmakers for their offense during last year's offseason in Johnson and running back Frank Gore. Gore struggled to move the ball behind Indianapolis' offensive line, but still managed 967 yards and scored six touchdowns.
It was the first time in five seasons that Gore hadn't rushed more than 1,000 yards, but he is expected to return next season as he continued to persevere and fight for every yard. While Gore impressed with his work ethic, Johnson struggled to produce the numbers expected of him, as he recorded 41 receptions for 503 yards and scored four touchdowns.
At one point, Johnson was considered an elite wide receiver in the league, but his play has clearly diminished in the past two seasons. Johnson doesn't deserve all the blame, as he never really had time to build chemistry with any quarterback during the 2015 regular season. The Colts will have to eat $2.5 million in Johnson's contract if they release him, but that won't stop them, according to Keefer.
Johnson will likely garner interest around the league as strong second receiving option for most teams, but his time in Indianapolis seems over after just one season. The Colts have been working on a contract extension with franchise quarterback Andrew Luck, and it's expected to be a "shocking number," per Colts owner Jim Irsay.
The 2015 regular season was a complete disappointment for the Colts and their fans, as they went from the AFC Championship game to not even making the postseason. Indianapolis is making moves this offseason, and seem confident in its young receiving core with T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett moving forward.
