Indianapolis Colts Release Andre Johnson After Underwhelming First Season

Last week, there were a lot of rumors and reports that the Indianapolis Colts were planning on releasing veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson. It didn’t take long for speculation to become reality as the team informed Johnson he would be released on Friday. It will become official at some point this week, but the move should not surprise anyone since Johnson never found his comfort zone with the Colts.

After signing a three-year, $21 million deal in the 2015 offseason, Johnson struggled in his first and only season with the Colts. He only caught 41 passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns. While quarterback issues affected Johnson’s play in 2015, these problems were not the main reason why he struggled. Johnson struggled to get open, which made it very difficult for quarterbacks to throw him the ball. His inability to get open made him virtually nonexistent on the field at times.

In all honesty, the Colts are probably better off without Johnson. They are comfortable with T.Y. Hilton as the top receiver, and Donte Moncrief emerged as the team’s No. 2 receiver. The team also has receivers Griff Whalen and Quan Bray, who each play big roles on special teams. The only question mark left among the team’s receivers is Phillip Dorsett, who will benefit the most from Johnson’s release. Despite a poor 2015 rookie season, Dorsett will likely become the team’s No. 3 receiver with Johnson gone.

As for Johnson, he has every intention to play in 2016. He has told reporters that he is looking forward to it, and his main goal is winning a championship. It will be interesting to see what teams are interested in Johnson once free agency begins. He turns 35 years old in July, and his lackluster 2015 season should have potential suitors concerned rather than intrigued.

The Colts will save $5 million in cap space by releasing Johnson, and they can use the extra money during the 2016 free agency period. While this is a smart financial decision, the Colts are more interested in acquiring and keeping players who will help them be title contenders for many years to come. Johnson did not fit what they were looking for, which is why he will be looking for work in 2016.