Andre contemplating his future- please stay

[Keith]

Originally Posted by bono

what happens to his cap number if he somehow decided to retire?

Same as if he were cut. If it didn't work this way, then this would be a serious loophole in the salary cap system.

Andre has a nice chunk on guaranteed money in this deal. I don't question he's frustrated and has no real options, I just question his timing to speak out now. Maybe he expected more from the team this offseason to address the QB position?

Short of retiring though, not sure what Andre expects to get out of this. He doesn't speak often like this to the media, which is why this is as big a story it is. Seems like he basically paid a $30k check out of his charity to create a media opportunity to air his grievances.

And I wouldn't call it mostly harmless... he is already questioning his new QB (Fitzpatrick) before he even hits mini-camp. That's not really how a good teammate and leader acts, which again, knowing how little Andre speaks, really says a lot about his frustration.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Keith

Same as if he were cut. If it didn't work this way, then this would be a serious loophole in the salary cap system.

Andre has a nice chunk on guaranteed money in this deal. I don't question he's frustrated and has no real options, I just question his timing to speak out now. Maybe he expected more from the team this offseason to address the QB position?

Short of retiring though, not sure what Andre expects to get out of this. He doesn't speak often like this to the media, which is why this is as big a story it is. Seems like he basically paid a $30k check out of his charity to create a media opportunity to air his grievances.

And I wouldn't call it mostly harmless... he is already questioning his new QB (Fitzpatrick) before he even hits mini-camp. That's not really how a good teammate and leader acts, which again, knowing how little Andre speaks, really says a lot about his frustration.

Had the Texans used a first-round pick on a QB, even a second rounder, he might have been pacified. But to the surprise and frustration of some of us (obviously including AJ), Rick & Bill practically waited until the 5th round for a QB, signalling they are all about the rebuilding process and not the POs, atleast anytime real soon. So like a childless woman rapidly leaving her primary childbearing years, AJ is getting anxious about his remaining years for a SB game.

[Joshua]

I read on another messageboard that AJ informed the team of his frustrations/uncertainty of his desire to go through a rebuilding process again several weeks ago; i.e. before the draft.

I suspect if the Texans had taken a QB, it would have made the situation better, but I'm not sure it would have changed it entirely. AJ rightfully recognizes that this team probably won't realistically compete until 2016 at the earliest. I understand his desire not to play the last few remaining years of his career on a team which he knows going in is going nowhere.

[Nconroe]

Andre has been our favorite player and best player for several years, so loosing him before the end of his career is a frustrating thought. I guess he will always be a Texan and hope when he goes in HOF it is as a Texan.

And the results of Texans last year in particular and perhaps over last 11 years in total is also frustrating to all of us, not just to Andre.

I think team overall has tried its best, it just hasn't reached the SB yet.

And if I were worried about my legacy perhaps that would bother me some. Look at Antione Bolden, frustrated as no. 2 WR in Arizona, goes to Baltimore and becomes a hero and gets his SB ring, and then released by Baltimore as FA, now at SF. So, is there a similar scenario out there for Andre. is getting close , good enough, very lucky if one gets to SB, ever, no matter which club with or who QB is.

Then, the team is bigger than any one player is a typical view and each player should do his best to help that team he is on at the time. Which would include a positive attitude, especially in public. AJ has been this guy in the past.

Two weeks notice or mention of frustration, one draft process/draft board, already likely set before that is not enough time to fix what ails Texans no matter who drafted. I doubt any of QBs in this year draft class or last years are known or guaranteed successes, all need to practice, get some NFL experience, and then we might know latter in year if drafted QB is what hoped for, or could take longer, right now all are speculating.

We don't really know if Texans have said anything back to Andre other than practices are voluntary and hope to see you soon. We don't even know who Texans expect will be their QB when season starts. We can all have widely differing opinions on this right now.

Hopefully they will talk, Andre can gain trust for new coaches, feel some optimism, and stay. Give it time, no rush right now.

If not, sure, if can't be happy here, time to go is his right to choose that somehow. Hopefully good decision for all by end of training camp.

[popanot]

I highly doubt taking a QB early would've changed what AJ is feeling. I like the Texans chances of rebounding just as much or just as quickly as the Browns, Vikings, or Hags. I think it has more to do with ALL of the changes in their entirety and knowing we're once again an extreme longshot for a Super Bowl run.

It's sad on so many levels, really. While I love AJ and have enjoyed watching him play immensely, if they can trade him (which will likely require he renegotiate), I say do it and let's move on. I hope he stays, but I'm also ready to turn the page and get on with a new era.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by popanot

I highly doubt taking a QB early would've changed what AJ is feeling. I like the Texans chances of rebounding just as much or just as quickly as the Browns, Vikings, or Hags. I think it has more to do with ALL of the changes in their entirety and knowing we're once again an extreme longshot for a Super Bowl run.

So why is Andre speaking NOW, in May, after the draft? Did he not feel this way in January? February? March? April?

The timing is just really odd. Either he has been living in denial or it just took him more than 4 months to organize his thoughts into actual words. Maybe he thought he could negotiate a different set of contract terms to get himself out earlier. Andre hasn't exactly always had the best representation over the years (he only replaced his uncle as his "agent" about four years ago).

[Nconroe]

Here is a pretty good writeup on AJ salary and cap hit.

http://overthecap.com/thoughts-andre...rned-contract/

As I read it, salary and contract likely contributes to AJ frustration as much as thinking he might have a low performance this year due to Texans QB than desired, since after this year he can be released by Texans with no cap hit under current deal.

He has been paid, but less than other superstars such as Fitzgerald at Arizona, or other less accomplished receivers even.

There are about 12 teams that could absorb his salary as is in a trade, only a handful have good expectation to reach SB and they seem to have WR already.

[nunusguy]

Johnson represented himself in 2007 when he signed a 6 year extension with the Texans. Johnson had two years remaining on his rookie contract at the time so this extension would take him to the age of 33, meaning it would be the only big contract of his career. Johnson had been scheduled to earn $15.7 million in the 2007 and 2008 seasons of his rookie contract and would have likely increased that number to $16.7 million via escalators.
In his negotiated extension he received a raise of just $3.325 million, none of which would be paid until 2008. He was guaranteed next to nothing and the contract structure was such that he never carried a cap hit in the extension years that would exceed $8.65 million. In addition the signing bonus was so small that he could have been released very quickly had he been injured or ineffective. For that tiny guarantee and raise he was locked in at a price of $7.468 million per year for the next 8 years.
http://overthecap.com/thoughts-andre...rned-contract/
******
Good read Nconroe, I had no idea (or maybe just no memory) of the deal back in 2007 so screwing up Johnson's opportunites for maximizing his monetary rewards during his NFL career. Well atleast he didn't have Vince Young's uncle managing his financial affairs.

[Nconroe]

There are a few trade rumors already-

Likely not gonna happen as not a SB contender, but if AJ just wants out, there is a connection to Kyle Shanahan in Cleveland.

http://fansided.com/2014/05/14/houst...andre-johnson/


Then Oakland could afford the trade also and reunite AJ with Schaub, likely not too desireable. http://www.sportsworldreport.com/art...draft-pick.htm

Would Boston need a receiver or Denver ? not sure they have cap space.

Then teams with most salary cap as of today by nflpa are, of course Texans could get back something of value but likely a future draft pick.
https://nflplayers.com/reports/RunPu...x?report=top51

Cleveland Browns $29,578,619.00
Jacksonville Jaguars $27,411,264.00
Cincinnati Bengals $24,495,252.00
New York Jets $23,815,532.00
Philadelphia Eagles $20,288,629.00
Tennessee Titans $19,349,452.00
Miami Dolphins $16,360,752.00
Green Bay Packers $15,029,643.00
Indianapolis Colts $13,980,129.00
Buffalo Bills $13,526,046.00
Tampa Bay Buccaneers $12,898,204.00
Oakland Raiders $12,755,335.00
Houston Texans $12,577,001.00
Seattle Seahawks $10,385,225.00
Minnesota Vikings $10,300,374.00
Atlanta Falcons $8,436,074.00
New England Patriots $7,676,705.00
Chicago Bears $7,563,488.00
Baltimore Ravens $6,221,523.00
Carolina Panthers $5,770,796.00
St. Louis Rams $5,709,358.00
Dallas Cowboys $5,540,942.00
Denver Broncos $5,478,342.00
Arizona Cardinals $4,920,218.00
Kansas City Chiefs $4,189,904.00
San Francisco 49ers $3,999,667.00
New York Giants $3,915,589.00
San Diego Chargers$ 3,586,579.00
New Orleans Saints$ 3,450,141.00
Washington Redskins $2,590,869.00
Detroit Lions $1,351,334.00
Pittsburgh Steelers $311,934.00

[popanot]

Originally Posted by Keith

So why is Andre speaking NOW, in May, after the draft? Did he not feel this way in January? February? March? April?

I'm sure he did. You don't think his sideline argument with Schaub and him walking off the field were a precursor to all this? We all knew his frustration with the performance of the team and it's been nothing but change and reboot since then. Perhaps the reason he didn't publicly say anything up until now is because 1) he's obviously a reserved man, 2)he likely wanted to spend his offseason with some level of privacy, and 3)the interview the other day was his opportunity to vent and the time was right to do it in his mind. Who knows? A reported might have asked him what his thoughts were on all the changes and he vented. Personally, I think it might a bit overblown and AJ will come to his senses and realize this city loves him and that it might not be so rosey on the other side.

[HPF Bob]

Looking at that list, Philadelphia looks like the best potential trade partner. NFC team, high remaining cap number. High passing offense. Team just got rid of DeSean Jackson. Foles can put up the numbers. Playoff caliber team.

[Nconroe]

I just read another of those draft reviews that gave Texans an A+ because they really like Savage and think we will be back in playoff hunt this year with Savage as starting QB.

So, was thinking it would be neat if AJ would stay, become team inspiration like Ray Lewis in Baltimore for the Texans to play in Reliant Stadium Superbowl year after this in 2017.

Wonder what odds on that happening are?

[Nconroe]

Some unusual rumors flying around about Andre now.

First yesterday was some tweets that Andre might consider coming to training camp.

Now today is news Texans turned down Andre's request to earn back $1mil roster bonus he lost for not attending mandatory mini camp

and Andre saying then trade me.

So, this is a sticky situation. seems people playing the loose-loose game.

[HPF Bob]

If we can get a first round pick in return, go ahead and trade him. If we can get some cap relief out of it, even better. I've loved what AJ has done for us for a decade but he's not going to be around the next time the Texans are contenders so let him go to some place (please, not Baltimore, Oakland or Pittsburgh) where he might have a chance to win a ring.

[Keith]

Johnson arrived at the Texans' facility to learn new coach Bill O'Brien's offense on Monday, ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli reported.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of Johnson's whereabouts, that the star wide receiver has been at the Texans' facility several times this offseason.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200...gn=Twitter_atl

[WMH]

Imagine that. The daily fines are about to kick in, and AJ is in the building. What a shocker. I will also be completely astonished when he starts collecting his $700K game checks.......

I wouldn't be surprised at this point if McNair tells Rick to throw a guy a bone just so he can save some face.

But it was never about the money. He wanted to "win". Blah blah blah.

Then, I'm guessing around week 6 or 7, he'll fall untouched again and be lost for the season.

Damn, I sound like Chuck.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by WMH

Imagine that. The daily fines are about to kick in, and AJ is in the building. What a shocker. I will also be completely astonished when he starts collecting his $700K game checks.......

I wouldn't be surprised at this point if McNair tells Rick to throw a guy a bone just so he can save some face.

But it was never about the money. He wanted to "win". Blah blah blah.

Then, I'm guessing around week 6 or 7, he'll fall untouched again and be lost for the season.

Damn, I sound like Chuck.

I don't know if there has been a star player who has shown less concern for money. I still remember the year his uncle said he might hold out. The next day the media all asked AJ about it and he laughed and said no chance. He didn't even care that he had destroyed any leverage his uncle had with his comment. I just think he's not real money savvy.

For the last 6 plus years he has had huge leverage as the Texans only real star and never tried to turn that leverage into cash. He signed a ridiculous 7 year deal that cost him money in his key earning years. He employed his bumbling uncle as agent through his prime.

I just seriously don't understand how anyone sees this guy miss a few optional workouts and one mandatory mini camp and concludes he is about the money. And even when it is about the money for a player, I also don't understand how pro sports fans continuously side against "spoiled, overpaid" players and side with owners and teams that are 100Xs richer.

Here is a guy who came to work every day for 11 years with his mouth shut and worked hard (like many on this site do at their job). In year 12 he wanted a change but never once said anything about money or a new deal. And he gets branded as out for the money.

And WMH takes it a step further and even tries to knock him for phantom injuries. This about a guy who hasn't missed a game in over 2 years. A guy who played 16 games last year when many vets would have shut down on a 2-14 season with Keenum at QB. A guy who has played 88% of his team's games in an 11 year career. A guy who has never gone on IR and shut down a season, but has always rehabbed back in season.

Anyone who wants to throw around blind insults at AJ for missing a minicamp is an idiot. He has been plenty committed to our organization winning games. I just wish Bob McNair and company were as committed to winning as AJ is. Since rolling out a team with no QB is the front office equivalent to going down "injured" with no contact.

[WMH]

Originally Posted by barrett

I don't know if there has been a star player who has shown less concern for money. I still remember the year his uncle said he might hold out. The next day the media all asked AJ about it and he laughed and said no chance. He didn't even care that he had destroyed any leverage his uncle had with his comment. I just think he's not real money savvy.

For the last 6 plus years he has had huge leverage as the Texans only real star and never tried to turn that leverage into cash. He signed a ridiculous 7 year deal that cost him money in his key earning years. He employed his bumbling uncle as agent through his prime.

I just seriously don't understand how anyone sees this guy miss a few optional workouts and one mandatory mini camp and concludes he is about the money. And even when it is about the money for a player, I also don't understand how pro sports fans continuously side against "spoiled, overpaid" players and side with owners and teams that are 100Xs richer.

Here is a guy who came to work every day for 11 years with his mouth shut and worked hard (like many on this site do at their job). In year 12 he wanted a change but never once said anything about money or a new deal. And he gets branded as out for the money.

And WMH takes it a step further and even tries to knock him for phantom injuries. This about a guy who hasn't missed a game in over 2 years. A guy who played 16 games last year when many vets would have shut down on a 2-14 season with Keenum at QB. A guy who has played 88% of his team's games in an 11 year career. A guy who has never gone on IR and shut down a season, but has always rehabbed back in season.

Anyone who wants to throw around blind insults at AJ for missing a minicamp is an idiot. He has been plenty committed to our organization winning games. I just wish Bob McNair and company were as committed to winning as AJ is. Since rolling out a team with no QB is the front office equivalent to going down "injured" with no contact.

I don't really care if he misses all of camp. As long as he's ready to entertain me come September, I'm good with that.

And your stats are a bit misleading. I don't have the interest to look it up, but I'd assume his games played % has dwindled the last couple of years. Hope he makes it thru all 16 again this year, it's more entertaining that way. Father Time is betting against him.

[barrett]

In the last 2 seasons he has played 32 games without missing one while catching 221 balls. I don't think the 2009-2011 injuries were exclusively about age. I am guessing he saw something about how his body was reacting as he aged and made some kind of adjustment in his training (redistribution of weight, increased stretching, more deer antler spray, or some other fix), but either way he hasn't been hurt since 2011.

[Nconroe]

Wasn't hard to look up. AJ has played 154 out of 176 games in 11 years.

Which is .875 of games.

Speculating, probably more than average even younger player as almost everyone gets occasional injury. Or for AJ percent would have been lower when he was younger, counter intuitive.