Nov 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
It may have taken a bit longer than some of the other deals, but the Indianapolis Colts have signed wide receiver Andre Johnson. The talented wide out tweeted a picture of himself and coach Chuck Pagano to announce the news earlier this afternoon:
It's official I'm a Colt https://t.co/DZg6dvH4TN
— Andre Johnson (@johnson80) March 11, 2015
There was speculation earlier today that Johnson might consider his options over the next few days. There was interest from at least seven other teams in the NFL. When GM Ryan Grigson gets a player in town that he wants, he rarely lets them leave. This has held true for Johnson as well.
Andre Johnson's 3 year deal with the Colts is worth $21M. Gets to face the Texans twice a year. Adds some spice to that division
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2015
This is a favorable deal for the Colts. It is less than Johnson would have made with the Texans but he will certainly have a more prominent role in a pass heavy offense.
Johnson saw a drop in his production last season as the Texans started three different quarterbacks. After two years of 100-plus reception and 1,000-plus yard seasons, Johnson 85 catches for 935 yards and three touchdowns.
Johnson is ninth all-time in receptions with 1,012, just 58 behind Reggie Wayne. Johnson is also 12th in receiving yards at 13,597.
Pro Football Focus gave Johnson a +1.3 for last season, one of the few positive grades to a skill position player on the Texans offense. Unfortunately, Johnson had a -0.4 in the passing category.
There were a number of factors that made this decision for Johnson, but the most important would be the Andrew Luck factor. He also gets to play with his friend Frank Gore and is reunited with some of his college coaches in Pagano and Rob Chudzinski.
No other Super Bowl contender could offer the Johnson a chance to go against the team that spurned him twice a year either.
The Colts have the pieces for a very talented offense in place next season. Despite the age of some of these players, the Colts will be fielding Luck, Gore, T.Y. Hilton, and Johnson. That will be a difficult combination for opponents to handle.
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