Skip to content

Report: Texans will cut Andre Johnson if they can't trade him

action images

The Houston Texans look to be finished with their all-time receiving leader.

The team has given Andre Johnson permission to seek a trade, and the Texans will cut him if no team is willing to part with assets to acquire his services, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

The Texans reportedly asked Johnson to agree to a reduced role with the team, which led to his request to be traded or cut.

"It's business," Johnson told McClain. "I understand that side of it. I’m not angry about it. I knew at some point in time this day would come."

"If we were living in a perfect world, you know I'd want to finish my career here, but, unfortunately, that's not what's going to happen. You just have to move forward."

With Johnson gone, Houston will save $8.825 million against the salary cap.

Johnson has spent 12 seasons with Houston, amassing 1,012 catches for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns. During that time, he went to seven Pro Bowls.

Disgruntled by being asked to accept a reduced role, Johnson clarified his side of things to McClain.

People try to picture it the way they want to picture it, saying that I asked for a trade (but), there’s a reason I asked for a trade, I think if anybody else was in my situation they would have done the same thing I did. I don't know how you tell a guy who catches 85 balls that he’ll only probably catch 40. I feel like the role they were trying to put me in I'd be held back from maximizing my talents. I feel like that was the best thing for both sides. Why sit there and be miserable when I can go somewhere else and be able to show my talents.

Johnson thanked the Houston fans for their support on his Instagram account shortly after the news broke, writing: "Thank you Houston for a wonderful 12 years. And a special thanks to all the fans who have supported me throughout my career."

The writing's been on the wall for Johnson and the Texans for some time. Houston is a team that needs to cut salary and Johnson has made it clear he's not interested in sticking around for a long-term rebuild in any capacity.

Johnson was reportedly not interested in taking a pay cut to stay with the team that drafted him either.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox