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Colts Free Agency Grades

By Luke Schultheis

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Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) get knocked out of bounds prior to the end zone by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Johnson, 3-year $21 million

The Colts entered the offseason with a real need for a proven wideout to pair with diminutive, yet dangerous down the field threat T.Y. Hilton. The team seemingly found an ideal complement in longtime Houston Texans wideout Andre Johnson. 

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

While the soon-to-be 34 year old Johnson isn’t the same dominant wideout he once was, he still figures to be a significant upgrade over last year’s version of a clearly not the same Reggie Wayne. At 6’3″, 230 pounds, Johnson also provides the Colts with a big bodied possession wideout that the team has been lacking in recent seasons. 

Johnson is one of the most decorated wide receivers in NFL history, as his 1,012 receptions rank 9th most all-time, and his 13,597 receiving yards are 12th all-time. Unlike many other future Hall of Fame wide receivers; however, Johnson hasn’t had the luxury of playing with an elite quarterback. He now figures to have the opportunity for the first time in his career by playing with the Colts star young quarterback in Andrew Luck. 

Johnson’s coming off a still productive season in which he caught 85 receptions for 936 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns despite shaky starting quarterback play with the Texans. He likely won’t light the world on fire with the Colts, but he gives them a proven big and sure-handed wideout that they previously didn’t have in their stable.

Signing for 3 years, $21 million, Johnson’s contract seems about in-line with a fair valuation of his production at this point in his career. While there was the risk the Colts could overpay based on his name recognition, the team ultimately ended up paying him a contract that “sounds about right”:

Grade: A-

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