Andre Johnson’s Top 10 Potential Suitors |

Andre Johnson’s Top 10 Potential Suitors

Andre Johnson is done with the Houston Texans. Or, rather, they’re done with him. Either way, the two sides are moving on after the team reportedly informed Johnson earlier this week that he’d be in for a regressed role if he stayed with the team in 2015. That has led to speculation that Johnson could be traded or released. With Johnson’s huge salary making a trade unlikely, reports have surfaced that he’s requested a flat-out release, which the Texans are likely to grant.

That should put Johnson on the open market, and despite being 34 years old, he shouldn’t want for suitors. Let’s take a look at ten teams that will seriously consider adding him once he’s available on the open market:

New England Patriots

New England hasn’t had a wide receiver that can take the top off the defense since the days of Randy Moss. It’s fairly questionable if AJ can even still do that, but hypothetically he could still serve in that role. Even if he can’t make plays down the field consistently, he’d absolutely help an already solid Patriots offense. He’s also interested in joining mostly strong playoff contenders, and the Pats coming off a Super Bowl win could put them at the top of the list.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle didn’t lost last year’s Super Bowl because they lacked talent at wide receiver, but their offense still could really use a jolt. Percy Harvin got traded, Paul Richardson shredded his knee and neither Doug Baldwin or Jermaine Kearse should be starters in the NFL. Johnson would come in and take over the #1 spot and would be on a squad that’s been to each of the past two title games.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens don’t think they can afford to keep Torrey Smith and Steve Smith is 34, so they’ll be in the market for more wide receiver help. They were in the Super Bowl just two seasons ago, so Johnson would see a chance to win as well as a shot at a big role. Getting even older at the position may not necessarily be something Baltimore wants to do, of course.

Indianapolis Colts

What’s better than joining one of Houston’s divisional foes that also could make a run at the league’s title game? The Colts made it to the AFC Championship game last year and could be a legit running back away from taking the next step. Hakeem Nicks and Reggie Wayne have been failures, so perhaps Johnson can come in and be a big part of Indy’s offense. He’d also get to burn his old team twice a year.

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners seem to have taken a step back, but they still have a great defense and strong offensive line. On the surface, they could still make a deep playoff run, while there should be a spot for a new wide receiver to come in and help. Michael Crabtree is going to walk in free agency and Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson are all the Niners have. Johnson could make a big impact while trying to win a Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saints

Marques Colston is likely on his way out so the Saints could be looking for some reinforcements in their passing game. New Orleans has a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball but they have a championship caliber quarterback, which could convince Johnson to latch on.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina didn’t try very hard to fix their depleted wide receiving corps a year ago, and at this point all they have to show for it is Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers have made it to the second round of the playoffs two straight years and could be ready to take the next step. Andre Johnson could end up being a huge part of that.

Kansas City Chiefs

No Chiefs wide receivers scored a touchdown in 2014, so they obviously need major help on offense. KC isn’t a world beater, but they’re well coached and have a good defense and a great running game. Andre Johnson could potentially be the missing link to a deep playoff run.

St. Louis Rams

Johnson isn’t going to be too keen about playing for a losing team, but the Rams have good coaching and seem to have the pieces to take the next step in 2015. One of the key things they lack is a consistent, difference-making wide receiver. If Johnson finds his market to be a little colder than he thought, the Rams would make a lot of sense.

Cleveland Browns

Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel won’t get Andre Johnson overly excited, but the Browns badly need help at wide receiver with Josh Gordon suspended, yet again. They really have no talent in the passing game, but an elite defense should have them inching closer to the playoffs in 2015. If his market is weak, Johnson could sign on with a steadily rising team and hope for the best.