Andre Johnson's ongoing absence from offseason practices has left us asking the following question on the "Around The League Podcast": to what end?
Johnson has explained that he is frustrated by the state of the Houston Texans franchise on the heels of a 2-14 season. However, he has yet to ask for a trade or suggest what would entice him back into the fold.
According to NFL Media's Gil Brandt, Johnson simply wants to spend his NFL twilight years on a contender.
How does that reconcile with coach Bill O'Brien anointing journeymanRyan Fitzpatrick as the Texans' quarterback?
The Texans do offer better surrounding talent than Fitzpatrick's previous stops. NFL Films guru Greg Cosell believes he could be set up for the best year of his career in O'Brien's offense.
The problem is that Fitzpatrick isn't particularly accurate, is too careless with the ball and can't make all of the NFL throws. Even if he does turn in a career year, Houston's ceiling is likely in the neighborhood of an 8-8 record without a superior option under center.
Is that promising enough to mollify Johnson?
We tentatively expect to see Johnson in a Texans uniform come September. But it's not because Fitzpatrick inspires visions of an AFC South title.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes discuss which teams "realistically" have no shot at winning the Super Bowl this season.
