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Texans inform Andre Johnson of reduced role, allow him to seek trade

Texans inform Andre Johnson of reduced role, allow him to seek trade

The Andre Johnson era could be soon coming to an end in Houston.

The Houston Texans have allowed Johnson to seek a trade, per the Houston Chronicle's John McClain, after telling Johnson he'd be in for a reduced role next season.

The wide receiver has spent his entire career after the Texans made him their first-round pick in 2003. Johnson, 33, has accumulated 13,597 receiving yards — 12th most in NFL history and second-most among active players, assuming Reggie Wayne returns to the NFL next season.

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Although Johnson's production dropped off with 85 catches, 936 yards and three touchdowns following two of his best statistical seasons in 2012 and 2013, he still has shown the ability to change games. He just might not be the ace receiver he once was.

And the other problem with Johnson is that he makes too much money in a saturated receiver market. Another deep draft class and a strong crop of veteran free agents could limit his market. Johnson is set to dent the Texans' salary cap to the tune of $16.1 million, with a base salary of $10.5 million and a roster bonus of an additional $1 million.

How many teams might be interested? Johnson could find out, but it's possible that the Texans — having shifted to DeAndre Hopkins as their No. 1 receiver — might pass the baton fully and end up releasing Johnson if no trade offer materializes.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!