NFL Trade Machine: Andre Johnson To Seattle Seahawks
By Erik Lambert
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
It’s all about winning a championship for Andre Johnson at this point, which is why connecting him in an NFL trade with the Seattle Seahawks clicks. However, despite the obvious fits, are there some obstacles to consider?
Johnson brings major hit to Houston Texans salary cap
There is no question that Andre Johnson is still one of the best receivers in the league and the best that the Houston Texans have but after three-straight losses the team is forced to stop and ponder their actions for the rest of 2014. Unless they feel they can rebound they must start making plans for next year, and that means shedding salary and collecting future assets. They could do both by unloading Johnson. He is well into his 30s now and carrying a hefty $15 million hit against the salary cap. Sending him on his way would hurt the offense initially, but it would gain breathing space and a draft pick in the process.
Money was a big reason Hawk unloaded Percy Harvin
Meanwhile the Seattle Seahawks offense is in the midst of an identity crisis. They are a running team for sure, but after trading Percy Harvin to the Jets they are now without their two best weapons from 2013 (Golden Tate left in free agency for Detroit). If they have designs on winning the NFC West, let alone a second Super Bowl they need to find more firepower on the outside. Unfortunately money is an obstacle. Though they have over $9 million in cap space currently, part of the reason they unloaded Harvin was to gain room in order to sign players on their roster to new deals including Cliff Avril and Russell Wilson. That space would be sacrificed if they went after Johnson.
Granted, it sounds like the kind of gamble the Seahawks love to make and they are certainly an NFL team Johnson would prefer to join in order to pursue a title. The elephant in the room will be the money.