Should The Kansas City Chiefs Trade For Andre Johnson

The Kansas City Chiefs are in need of a receiver, right?

So why not make a move for one of the best in the game right now, Andre Johnson, who wants out of a bad situation in Houston? The future hall of fame receiver has expressed his interest in leaving the team and at his age (32), there might be a possibility for a reasonable deal to attain him.

First, Lets start with the Pros:

Where do we even begin?

Johnson has caught 927 passes in his career for a total of 12,661 yards and 61 touchdowns, and has been one of the most consistent players in the NFL over the better part of a decade. (Stats via Profootballreference.com)

He would immediately be the best receiver on the Chiefs roster, bumping Bowe down to number two, and creating a competition like no other for that slot receiver. Could you imagine? Johnson, Bowe, then either Dressler, Avery, Jenkins or Thomas for that third flanker spot. That could be extremely deadly partnered with Jamaal Charles out of the back field.

Andy Reid would be licking his chops.

What Are The Cons?:

According to Ian Rappoport of NFL.com, Johnson will NOT be attending the voluntary and mandatory workouts this off-season. NFL.com says,

"Johnson’s frustrations are not about the Texans‘ decision to not draft or sign a marquee quarterback. It is Rapoport’s understanding that the frustrations are the product of a deeper concern about whether Johnson wants to be part of another rebuilding process in Houston."

A couple things to consider here, starting with how far are the Chiefs away from being a legit contender? Johnson wants to win and with how tough the AFC West has become, are the Chiefs the right fit?

Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) is pursued by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City got off to hot start last year, going 9-0 and having the identity of a ferocious defense and a stagnant offense. However, injury struck to their elite pass rush duo of Tamba Hali and Justin Houston and the whole thing seemed to collapse. In that time of desperation, the offense seemed to take its course averaging almost 30 points per-game through the final seven games and finishing as the third highest scoring offense in the league.

The point is, balance was not a part of the 2013 season. Perhaps the addition of Johnson takes this team over the top if the defense can continue to grow into one of the best.

However, the BIGGEST con lye’s within the Houston Texans organization. Johnson might not have a choice in leaving Houston in 2014. NFL.com also writes,

"Johnson is under contract through the 2016 season, and trading the wide receiver would bury Houston with $11.96 million in dead money against the ’14 cap."

Ouch..

So basically, Johnson’s base salary deal of $10 million per year would not fit for the Chiefs cap in 2014. The only way this deal would be feasible is if the Chiefs swapped or restructured a player that cut a similar number against the cap (Eric Berry, Brandon Flowers) OR, the Texans cut him and he took a significant pay cut to come to Kansas City (which will likely NOT happen).

Pretty much the only way he’s acquired is by trade and even then, the team who made the deal will have to absorb a $31 million dollar contract. That too could be restructured upon his arrival to a new team.

So Should This Be Taken Seriously?

Yes, it should be taken very seriously. Kansas City opted to not draft a receiver and it’s possible that they held out to see the status of Andre Johnson in Houston. Now, this is all just speculation, just so you know. There are zero confirmed reports that KC has been in contact with Houston about a trade, but there are rumors that the Chiefs are a potential candidate in the sweepstakes.

Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com had this to say about Johnson if he is traded,

"“Andre Johnson needs to go to a team with a solid quarterback situation and a strong contender for the postseason. Teams like New England, Carolina and Kansas City have to get strong consideration.”"

At this point in his career, Johnson is looking to win, not make money.

Johnson feels similar to the way Tony Gonzalez did back when he left the Chiefs in 09′. The team wasn’t in a position to make a run and they opted to trade him for a second round pick to the Atlanta Falcons. If that did happen, Johnson would likely have to take a pay cut. Here’s what else Pat Kirwan had to say,

"“None of the three teams mentioned for consideration have the kind of salary-cap space to take on Johnson’s contract. Keep in mind every team in the league has to get their rookies signed, which will take its toll on remaining cap space. As of now the Patriots have $7.7 million, Carolina has $5.7 million and the Chiefs have $4.4 million. A trade for Johnson would be an immediate $11 million cap hit and only 10 teams in the NFL could incur that hit without an adjustment.”"

Those ten teams are not contenders so if Johnson is serious about joining a legitimate playoff team, he’s probably gonna have to shave some money off of his current deal,

"“If Johnson really wants to move on he has to restructure and strongly consider a pay cut as well. Johnson has made more than $30 million in the past four years and has been a high-priced player for all 11 years of his career. A willingness to do a cap friendly deal that averages $7 million to $8 million a year but has a first-year cap number closer to $4 million-$5 million could put him on a real playoff contender.”"

Johnson has been with the Texans for 11 seasons, only making the playoffs twice and only achieving three winning seasons (9 or more wins). He’s clearly stated he wants out and Kansas City is attractive with coach Reid.

There’s a part of me that believes this deal could get done if all the right pieces fell in place but, it would almost have to be perfect. Houston is going to have a hard time letting go of their greatest player in franchise history, so it’s hard to say what his asking price will be.