Report: “Mutual Interest” Between Colts & WR Andre Johnson

According to Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report, Andre Johnson is hoping to be released by the Texans as this would allow him to negotiate his next contract while choosing who he plays for.

Cole’s source mentioned that there three NFL teams willing to pay him his 2015 salary of $10.5 million, and possibly offer him more money upfront to sign with them.

There’s reportedly “mutual interest” between the Colts and Johnson given that they have Andrew Luck under center and he could get some revenge agains the Texans next year.

Last night, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported that the Texans have given Johnson permission to seek a trade out of Houston.

The Texans informed Johnson that his role was going to be decreasing next season, which led to him being granted permission to find a trade partner, or he’ll be released outright.

It would be surprising to see a team part with draft picks for a player who is likely to be released, especially when you consider Johnson’s age and salary for the upcoming season.

The Colts could really use another solid receiver to pair with T.Y. Hilton now that Reggie Wayne is still undecided about returning next year, and there are obvious concerns about his ability moving forward.

Johnson, 33, still has two years remaining on his seven-year, $62.7 million contract, which includes $48 million guaranteed. He’ll make base salaries of $10.5 million and $11 million over the final two years of the agreement.

Johnson’s remaining cap figures are $16,144,583 and $14.675 million, but the Texans would free up $8.825 million next year and another $12 million in 2016 if they were to release him, according to OverTheCap.com’s calculator.

In 2014, Johnson has caught 85 passes for 936 yards receiving and three  touchdowns over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 40 receiver out of 110 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Johnson as the news is available.