The Indianapolis Colts released veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson after he played just one season with the team. Even though he will be 35 by the start of the 2016 season, Johnson is not ready to retire just yet:
Colts release Andre Johnson after 1 season
The veteran wide receiver reportedly wants to play one more season.
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
The #Colts officially released WR Andre Johnson. He wants to play one more year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
Johnson signed with the Colts after a long, distinguished career with the Houston Texans. At the time, the move was mostly praised -- Johnson was expected to provide a veteran presence in Indy’s group of young wideouts and be a reliable weapon for Andrew Luck. It was considered his best chance to chase a ring with the Colts having Super Bowl aspirations.
Unfortunately, everything fell apart in 2015. Johnson played all 16 games but was brutally ineffective, ending the year with just 41 catches for 503 yards and four touchdowns. He caught more than four passes in a game only once (six, on Oct. 8 vs. Texans) in his 16 games, and at times was taken out of the game plan entirely, recording zero catches in three games.
Meanwhile, Donte Moncrief emerged as the clear No. 2 receiver next to T.Y. Hilton, while Phillip Dorsett is expected to see a bigger role after a quiet rookie year.
Johnson has built legitimate Hall of Fame credentials in his 13-year career, but it’s become plainly clear that he’s running out of gas at age 34. He’ll likely have to settle for a short-term “prove it” contract and potential training camp battle.
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