Ian Rapoport is reporting that David Johnson will accept a pay cut and play with the Texans in 2021. Johnson is a reminder to many Texans fans of what they got in return for Pro Bowl WR DeAndre Hopkins, along with a couple of draft picks. Many fans would like to see the team go younger at the position, but Houston will bring Johnson back for at least one more season.
Here's what I think this move really signifies
Personally, I think this decision has more to do with saving face and not wanting the DeAndre Hopkins trade to look like an even bigger disaster. Cutting Johnson after one season would have clearly made the trade look even worse. However, his $4.25 million deal isn't a terrible value, but I was hoping Houston would look to find a player with more upside and juice at the position.
But with the Texans' lack of draft capital, the team won't have to prioritize the position early in the draft or in free agency. Also, veteran RBs often have a tough time finding a team with many GMs looking to go with younger options that don't cost as much. Meaning, Johnson is better off taking less money and knowing that he won't have to look for another team at the age of 29.