Keeping Andre Johnson healthy is a full-time job for the Houston Texans. After losing a key receiver and tight end to free agency, should the team consider a trade for un-signed receivers like Wes Welker or Mike Wallace?
Andre Johnson health problems make receiving help a must for Houston
No team seemed so ready for a Super Bowl run last season in the AFC than the Texans. If they weren't handicapped by starting rookie quarterback T.J. Yates they had the defense and offensive firepower to beat any team they played. Sadly no amount of smoke and mirrors could cover up Yates' inexperience and Houston bowed out to the Baltimore Ravens. Now the team sits at an awkward crossroads. Though their teams is still largely intact with stars like Arian Foster and Matt Schaub returning, they did lose a number of pieces to free agency such as receiver Jacoby Jones and tight end Joel Dreessen. Then news struck that Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson had arthroscopic knee surgery and would miss the first few weeks of off-season activities. It's not a death sentence but it does bring to light how tenuous things are for the Houston Texans. They are one bad injury away from disaster. So should a team that's Super Bowl ready pay up to get some insurance?
Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots can't get signings
Two players that would immediately quell any fears by Houston fans still sit without deals. Wes Welker, arguably the best slot receiver in the past decade, hasn't budged from his wish for a new contract from the New England Patriots. Since the team went out and signed a host of new receivers it has hinted to experts that the Patriots may have reached their end with Welker. Then again owner Robert Kraft offered his own opinion on the matter, stating he wants Wes to stay a "Patriot for life." As anyone knows, what the owner says usually is the way it goes. New England isn't alone though. The Pittsburgh Steelers, another AFC powerhouse, has problems with a star receiver as well. Pro Bowl speedster Mike Wallace hasn't yet shown up at any team practice so far. He has no plans to either until the Steelers give him the contract he thinks he deserves. Either player would not only weaken their teams by leaving, but undoubtedly strengthen the Texans in their mission.
Andre Johnson isn't gone forever but the Houston Texans can't afford to take chances this close to a Super Bowl run. They need help at receiver. If Wes Welker or Mike Wallace are available from the New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers, then the time may have come to make a blockbuster deal.
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