Texans give Andre Johnson permission to seek trade

The Houston Texans have given wide receiver and longtime franchise icon Andre Johnson permission to seek a trade, according to a report.

The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain says the Texans told the 33-year-old that he would have a reduced role next season, so he in turn asked to be cut or traded. The team is now giving him permission to explore a trade. If they are unable to deal him, they will release him.

Johnson will be 34 by the time next season starts, but he still can help a team in the passing game. The veteran caught 85 passes for 936 yards and three touchdowns last season, and that was with only below average passers throwing to him.

This outcome should not come as a surprise. Last year Johnson asked the team to trade or release him, which didn’t happen. He was holding out because he wanted his future with the team guaranteed, knowing that they might cut him or ask him to take a pay cut prior to this season. The team told him to report last season with assurances he’d be safe this season, and now look at what happened.

Cutting Johnson will save the Texans nearly $9 million against the salary cap.