Colts Officially Release Veteran Andre Johnson

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts have announced that the team has officially released wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Despite reports that Johnson had been told of his release late last week, the Colts formally cut the 14-year veteran wide receiver.

Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports /

While the 34-year old Johnson still intends to play next season, he could find a cold market–at least initially.

In his first and only season with the Colts, Johnson had a very underwhelming season–catching just 41 receptions for 503 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

Originally signed by the Colts to a 3-year, $21 million deal, Johnson failed to provide the big bodied possession wideout to consistently complement T.Y. Hilton.

Some of that can be attributed to starting quarterback Andrew Luck missing 9 games. However, Johnson failed to show much rapport with any Colts quarterback and demonstrated a noticeable lack of separation in his routes.

With the Colts saving $5M by his release, it was really a no brainer decision for the team. Not to mention, the team has a pair of young wideouts Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett who seem poised for bigger roles next season.