Update: Noon ET, March 4
The Colts informed Andre Johnson Friday that they will release him. The decision to release Johnson means the veteran WR might want to keep playing, rather than retire at the age of 34.
Original Story Below:
The Indianapolis Colts plan to cut veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson once the new league year starts on March 9, making him one of the most coveted free agent wideouts on the market because of his experience. Here are the three teams that are most likely to sign him this offseason:
Carolina Panthers
Johnson left Houston to win a championship before he retires, and Carolina would give him a great chance at doing that while still having a significant role in the offense. He would be a major upgrade over both Corey Brown and Ted Ginn across from Kelvin Benjamin, and Benjamin could learn a lot from Johnson. Plus, his veteran leadership is something that would help Carolina's young core of players.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady hasn't had a true No. 1 WR since Randy Moss. Sure, Julian Edelman and the other slot WRs have been productive, but they aren't true No. 1 weapons. Johnson is a true No. 1 wideout at this stage in his career, but he is a legitimate threat on the outside. Like Carolina, the Patriots have limited cap space. However, the Patriots have few free agents and could make the needed cap space to sign Johnson if they really wanted him.
Miami Dolphins
Johnson played his college ball at Miami, and with the Dolphins expected to make a push towards the playoffs this year, it could be a great landing spot for the aging veteran. That locker room is in desperate need of a leader, and Johnson certainly has all of the qualifications to be that guy while giving the Dolphins an upgrade on the outside to pair with Jarvis Landry in the slot. Carolina and New England are clearly his first two options, but Miami could be a dark horse in this race to sign him.