Unnamed Jets Exec Says Andre Johnson 'Isn't The Best Fit' For Team
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Andre Johnson reportedly wants out of Houston. But don't expect the New York Jets to make a play for the All-Pro wide receiver.
Not yet, at least.
The Jets are not "actively pursuing" a trade for Johnson, an unnamed team executive told Kristian Dyer of Metro New York.
"Clearly Andre is a special player, but special players come at a price," the exec said. "Right now, with the direction the team wants to go, it isn't the best fit. While he is a tremendous talent, he would hurt a lot of cap flexibility."
The 33-year-old receiver is due roughly $31.5 million in base salary over the next three years, including $10 million in 2014. The Jets were $22.5 million under the cap as of June 10, ESPN reported.
Metro's front-office source said a wideout like Johnson "may not be the best allocation of resources."
"We drafted three wide receivers this year — all mid-round guys with what believe to be high ceilings," the Jets executive said. "With other additions this offseason, such as Eric (Decker) and (Jacoby) Ford, plus some good young players already on the roster, it would have to be a move that would make sense for us — especially for cap purposes."
When reports of Johnson's unhappiness with the Texans first surfaced, WFAN.com's Jeff Capellini explained in detail why he'd be a fit with the Jets. Running back Chris Johnson and linebacker DeMario Davis both indicated on Twitter that they'd be more than happy to roll out the green carpet for Johnson.
https://twitter.com/ChrisJohnson28/statuses/471443605996199937
If NYJ got Andre Johnson. Our whole team would be making bold guarantees like Broadway Joe. It'd be too much like cheating. ♤♤♤♤
— DemarioDavis.eth (@demario__davis) July 11, 2014
Some think the Jets should consider bringing the 6-foot-3 star in to block the New England Patriots from pairing him with quarterback Tom Brady. But the Jets executive said Johnson "isn't someone we see ourselves pursuing at this point as part of the direction we want to go."
Multiple reports indicated that Houston may not be willing to move Johnson, who could hold out of training camp. He's reportedly frustrated with the team's long-term vision and miffed over a $1 million bonus he forfeited by skipping offseason workouts.
Johnson, a seven-time Pro Bowler, has 12,661 career receiving yards in 11 seasons.
He has 254 receptions, 3,497 yards and 11 touchdowns since turning 30, including 109 catches and 1,407 yards last season.
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