Andre Johnson's career with the Houston Texans is officially over with the receiver being officially released Monday, the team announced.
Last week, Johnson's agent was given permission to seek a trade at the request of the wide receiver after learning his role with the Texans would be reduced in 2015. Unable to find a willing trade partner, Houston opted to release the 12-year veteran who was drafted in the first round by the team in 2003. The Texans will save $8.82 million in salary cap space with the move.
Before the move was official Monday, Johnson told ESPN he was not fretting about not being a member of the only NFL team he's played for.
"It's just the nature of the business," Johnson said. "I'm not really worried about it. I will go somewhere else and play, and hopefully I can do well for them."
Head coach Bill O'Brien also expressed his gratitude for Johnson's service with the Texans over the years.
"I have so much respect for Andre Johnson and what he's meant to this organization," O'Brien said. "Andre carried himself as a true professional and did everything that we asked him to do. Andre will go down as one of the best receivers to every play this game. We are thankful for what he has done for our organization and wish him well on his future playing career."
As second-year receiver DeAndre Hopkins upped his skills, Johnson saw his numbers drop. Hopkins had 1,210 yards on 76 receptions while Johnson has more receptions with 85, however saw a decline in yardage with 936 yards in 2014. In each of his two previous seasons, Johnson had caught more than 100 passes, for 1,407 and 1,598 yards.
Johnson leaves the Texans as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (1,012) and receiving yards (13,597).
Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey
