Perhaps we can begin calling the New York Jets a “Johnson and Johnson Co.”
First-year Jets running back Chris Johnson tweeted Tuesday he wants disgruntled Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson to join him wearing green.
Let’s bring Andre johnson to the jets legooo
— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) May 28, 2014
Andre Johnson is believed to be unhappy in Houston given another coaching regime and uncertainty at the quarterback position. Johnson said he was wondering “if this (Houston) was the right place for him” and subsequently was a no-show for the team’s OTAs this week.
It’s unlikely the Texans would trade Andre Johnson, according to ESPN New York, as he’s the team best offensive weapon and has been a cornerstone of the franchise for the past decade.
The Jets added the top free-agent wide receiver in Eric Decker, then drafted three wide receivers earlier this month. But Andre Johnson provides more of a sure presence at the position, having hauled in 109 receptions for more than 1,400 yards last season, despite a revolving door at quarterback.
Bringing the soon-to-be 33-year-old Andre Johnson to New York could be tricky to maneuver, financially speaking. It’s also unknown what the Jets would have to give up in order to get Andre Johnson.
Trading for WR about to turn 33 w/$10M base salary & $15.6M cap hit in 2014 (+ escalating $ thru ’16) wouldn’t be sound move for most teams
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) May 28, 2014
Andre Johnson is owed $6.5 million in 2014, $10.5 in 2015 and $11 million in 2016, not including $10 million available through workout bonuses and performance-based incentives.
The Jets have about $30 million available in cap space, according to Spotrac.
However, Texans coach Bill O’Brien continues to deny his star wide receiver is on the trading block.
O’Brien downplayed Andre Johnson’s absence from OTAs and took a very Bill Belichick-ian approach when asked about whether a trade was being considered.
Via ESPN:
Every time O’Brien has been asked about Johnson, he begins with the good.
“He and I have had positive conversations,” O’Brien said Tuesday. “I have a ton of respect for him.
“We’d love to have him here now,” O’Brien continued Tuesday, after expressing his respect for the best player in Texans history. “That’s up to him. We’re moving forward with the players that are here. These guys are working extremely hard. That’s where it’s at.”
