Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson seemingly introduced the possibility of being traded when he admitted he's unhappy as a Texan. If Houston does decide to trade Johnson, OverTheCap.com reports the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts would be "sure fire contenders" to sign Johnson.
Johnson's 11-year career with Houston could be coming to an end. The perennial Pro Bowler openly questioned whether Houston was the right place for him during a media event on Tuesday.
"Nobody's been here as long as I have. You just kind of look at things; I've been thinking about things this offseason," Johnson said, via the Houston Chronicle. "And I just kind of wonder sometimes, 'Is this still the place for me?' ...
"I just look at my career. ... I've only been to the playoffs twice. I think we've only had three winning seasons. I don't think any player wants to experience that. I think over time it can become very frustrating."
The Texans declined to comment on Johnson's remarks.
Johnson doesn't plan to attend OTAs or an upcoming mandatory training camp, according to The Chronicle. The 32-year-old, who's been frustrated with the organization before, missed last week's first voluntary workout under new Texans coach Bill O'Brien.
Johnson is under contract through the 2016 season, but if he doesn't want to be part of what he believes will be a rebuild with O'Brien and chooses instead to hold out, it's possible the Texans consider trading him before the season starts.
In addition to taking a discontent player out of the locker room, trading Johnson would save the Texans millions of dollars and create greater salary cap flexibility in the future.
Trading Johnson before June 1 would save Houston $3.68 million against the cap, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com. Trading Johnson after June 1 would cost the Texans a $4.64 million cap charge in 2014 and a $7.31 million charge in 2015, but would still help their salary cap situation.
Fitzgerald also lists teams financially capable of taking on Johnson's $11 million contract.
"Only 12 potential destinations could absorb his $11 million salary without touching the contract. Of those 13 only the Bengals, Eagles, Packers, and Colts would be considered sure fire contenders and most of those squads are set at the WR position," Fitzgerald wrote on Wednesday. "Fringe playoff teams with the room would include the Jets, Dolphins, and Bills. Buffalo would certainly have no interest and Miami is already overspent at the position."
Johnson finished the 2013 season with 1,407 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
