Former Colts Wideout Andre Johnson Visits Titans
Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson visited the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, as the free agent could add veteran depth to a young wide receiving corps:
While the 35 year old endured a disappointing sole season with the Colts, the future Hall of Fame wideout could theoretically still help a team as a 3rd or 4th wide receiver and by providing veteran locker room leadership.
The 13-year veteran caught just 41 receptions for 503 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions for the Colts last season, as one of those touchdowns actually came against the Titans during the regular season finale.
Johnson was brought in to become a big-bodied possession wideout to complement T.Y. Hilton, but failed to build rapport with Andrew Luck or any of the other Colts starting quarterbacks–struggling to get separation in routes.
He was ultimately a cap casualty by the Colts earlier this offseason.
Of course, it’s not the first time the Titans have attempted to sign a failed free agent Colts veteran reclamation project at wideout, as our AFC South rivals signed Hakeem Nicks just last offseason–who was ultimately cut just before the beginning of the regular season.
As you may recall, like Johnson, Nicks lasted just one season in Indianapolis after signing as a free agent, recording 38 receptions for 405 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in 16 games–numbers eerily similar to his veteran successor, who ultimately shared the same fate.
Still, it’s presumably a low risk signing by the Titans, as Johnson appears good enough to at least make an NFL roster and provide veteran depth at a low cost.
However, anyone expecting the longtime superstar wide receiver of old with the Houston Texans is due for a rude awakening.
The Colts and Titans have routinely been terrorized by Johnson in their secondary during their time in the AFC South; however, he’s not the same player he once was.
Yet, that doesn’t mean he can’t help a team in a more limited role.