Andre Johnson was hellbent on not retiring after the Indianapolis Colts released him last month, and now he's found a new home with another AFC South squad.
Titans sign veteran WR Andre Johnson to 2-year deal
Johnson is getting another shot after a lackluster season in Indianapolis.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans signed Johnson to a two-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, ensuring the 13-year veteran will receive at least another shot to play in the NFL. Johnson, 35, recorded a career-low 41 receptions and only 503 yards last season. He caught more than four passes in a game only once and was shutout on three occasions.
Prior to the 2016 campaign, the Colts viewed Johnson as a productive veteran who was ready to mentor the younger wide receivers on the roster. But it didn't work out that way, as Donte Moncrief emerged as the clear No. 2 option behind T.Y. Hilton, leaving Johnson in the dust.
Johnson put up Hall of Fame caliber numbers in his 12 seasons with the Houston Texans, leading the league in catches and yards twice while amassing more than 1,000 receiving yards seven times. His best year was 2008, when he caught 115 passes for 1,575 yards.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Johnson's numbers in Houston is that he largely put them up with lousy quarterbacks. During his 12-year stint in the Lone Star State, Johnson played with 10 different starting QBs, including David Carr, Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels, T.J. Yates and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Johnson's run of playing with subpar pass throwers continued last year in Indianapolis with Andrew Luck missing the majority of the season due to injury. Forty-year-old Matt Hasselbeck started eight games, failing to complete more than 57 percent of his passes in his final three contests.
Though Johnson’s career accolades speak for themselves, he probably feels as if he has something to prove after his lackluster year in Indianapolis. But after more than a decade in the league, it’s uncertain if he’s physically up to the task.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey was optimistic about how much Johnson could contribute, on the field and in the locker room:
Mularkey on Andre Johnson: "He's an extreme competitor." He'll give young WRs competition and leadership.
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 29, 2016
The Titans have a promising young quarterback in Marcus Mariota, but the No. 2 overall pick didn’t have much help as a rookie. During the offseason, Tennessee bulked up the offensive line and running back corps, but didn’t add much to the receiving group except former Miami Dolphins wide out Rishard Matthews. Johnson should have a strong chance at being a contributor with the organization.
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