Trade Rumors: Andre Johnson and Raiders not a fit
Nov 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) is pursued by Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Last week, the Oakland Raiders were reported among the suitors for Texans’ disgruntled wide receiver Andre Johnson. Yet various reports have come out about the challenges teams face in trying to obtain the most historic player in Texans’ history.
Well it is not very often a perennial Pro-Bowl and 1,000 yard pass-catcher becomes available so late in the off-season, but Raider Nation should not be upset if the Raiders can not net Johnson. Not only is obtaining Johnson a fantasy, but Johnson does not fit the Raiders’ new culture.
Every move the Oakland Raiders’ General Manager Reggie McKenzie has made has been about adding players willing to compete and build a winning culture. Johnson is unwilling to help the rebuilding of the Texans’ culture, so why would he want to do that with the Raiders. Combined with past contract disputes, Johnson does not fit the type of culture the Raiders are trying to build.
Sure Johnson has familiarity with the Raiders Offensive Coordinator and starting quarterback, but more than anything Johnson wants to immediately compete for a title as he enters the twilight of his career. That may sound similar to Justin Tuck and Lamar Woodley but they have already won, and were free agents with extra monetary incentive to go to the Raiders.
Johnson already has a contract and is already on a rebuilding team, so why would Andre Johnson be any more satisfied with the Raiders than he is with his Texans?
The Raiders already face the toughest schedule in the NFL, among many other obstacles.
One of those many obstacles is the Raiders quarterback situation, which pits a second round pick Derek Carr versus two-time Pro-Bowler Matt Schaub. Johnson spent most of the past few seasons catching balls from current starter Schaub, but that does not guarantee the relationship will transition to the Silver and Black. Schaub was already ranked among the worst starting quarterbacks, so why would Johnson be anymore pleased with the Raiders’ quarterback play.
Added, the Raiders already have a deep receiving corps from top to bottom. The Raiders lack a No. 1 receiver capable of demanding double teams and receiving 1,000 yards like Johnson. However, they do have third year receiver Rod Streater coming off a near thousand yard receiving season. Paired with James Jones, who is the Superbowl winner and leader of the group, the Raiders already seasoned veterans looking to breakout.
Plus the Raiders have Dennarius Moore and Greg Little who are also young players who have flashed explosive play making ability. Andre Holmes made a difference in only half of a season, and has potential to make a difference on the field again this year.
None of the Raiders’ current receivers have the prominence of Andre Johnson, but they are already carving out their roles and chemistry with the team. Not to mention Streater, Holmes, Moore, and Little still have plenty of potential to play better football for years to come.
Moreover, the Raiders covet draft picks which would be necessary to obtain Andre Johnson. Reggie McKenzie would love to have a thousand yard receiver this season like Johnson, but not at the expense of his draft picks. He would rather develop a thousand yard receiver from the current roster or draft one next season.