Houston Texans: Who Will Replace Andre Johnson?

For the first time since their inaugural season, the Houston Texans will be playing without Andre Johnson. The seven-time Pro Bowler was released by the Texans because of contract and playing time issues, and soon signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

More from Houston Texans

Even if he retired today, the 33-year-old would go down as one of the all-time greats at the receiver position. Johnson ranks ninth on the all-time receptions list with 1012 and 12th on the all-time receiving yards list with 13,597. In 2014, however, Johnson began to show signs of age. Despite catching 85 passes, he failed to reach the 1,000 yard mark for only the second time since 2007. He also had as many fumbles (three) as touchdowns.

Still, the loss of Johnson is a big loss for the Texans receiving core, especially with their turbulent situation at quarterback. The question remains – who will step up and fill the shoes of arguably the greatest player in franchise history? (We see you JJ Watt – that title should be yours in a few years).

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Is Andre Johnson One Of The Best WRs Ever?

The most obvious answer is DeAndre Hopkins, a third-year receiver out of Clemson. Hopkins was impressive as a rookie, finishing the 2013 season with 52 catches and 802 yards, but exploded last season, leading the Texans in receiving yards (1,210), yards per reception (15.9), and touchdowns (six). Hopkins also led the Texans in Yards Per Route Run at 2.27, a number which was better than big time receivers like Steve Smith, Jeremy Maclin, and Larry Fitzgerald.

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

While Hopkins will face every team’s number one corner this season, he appears to be ready to fill the void left by Johnson. Of course, this leaves the question of who will step into the number two position? Houston appears to be leaning towards one of Cecil Shorts or Nate Washington.

Shorts signed a two-year deal worth $6 million with the Texans back in March after spending his first four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His best season came in 2012 when tallied 979 receiving yards, a remarkable 17.8 yards per catch, and seven touchdowns (more than his other three seasons combined). He has the ability to play both inside and outside and should serve as a reliable number two option behind Hopkins IF he can stay healthy, something that has been an issue for him in recent seasons.

Nov 2, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts III (84) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Jacksonville 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Should Shorts get injured or fail to produce, the Texans will likely turn to the 10-year vet Washington. Washington entered the league with Pittsburgh, where he won two Super Bowls, but has spent the last six seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

A disappointing 2014 season saw him produce only two touchdowns, a career low (ignoring his rookie season where he played in only one game). The Texans were able to get him on a one-year “prove it” contract, as Washington will be looking to demonstrate that he’s still the same player that recorded 1023 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2011.

Realistically, with uncertainty at both the quarterback and receiver position, the Texans may struggle to move the ball through the air. The loss of Andre Johnson stings, but seeing him sign with the rival Colts and having to play him twice a year must be a bitter pill for Texans fans to swallow.

Still, if Hopkins continues to develop and one of Shorts or Washington can carve out a niche as a reliable number two receiver, Houston may be able to do just enough through the air to provide enough support for their strong ground game and suffocating defense to carry them.

Next: Here's The Case For Ryan Mallett

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Houston Texans