HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans works out on the field before the start of the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Reliant Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – The Houston Texans are sitting in limbo right now waiting for a sign that All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson is coming back to the team. He may very well be stopping by the facility in the week heading up to training camp. We know he is working out and staying in shape. But we don’t know if he’s ready to play for the Texans.

Trades have been brought up by everyone looking at the situation as a way out for a potential Hall of Famer, who has said he doesn’t want to go through re-building again with Houston. The teams that have been mentioned include the Brown, Patriots and others.

But on Wednesday the Seahawks announced that Sidney Rice has retired at the age of 27. That is a team that would seem to fit everything that Andre would want, has the cap space, and could give the Texans their best shot at a first round pick.

Johnson would fit the Seahawks game plan at wide out in the same way that Rice did. Rice was the only big target for Russell Wilson. At 6’4″ Rice is an inch taller than Johnson, but Johnson would immediately be the tallest WR in Seattle.

The Seahawks have about $8mil in cap space right now. With a few moves they could probably work enough space or restructure Johnson’s contract t get him on the roster for the next two seasons of his contract without issue.

Heading to Seattle would benefit Johnson by immediately putting him in contention to play in a Super Bowl with the defending champs and almost guaranteeing him a trip to the playoffs. Something he’s only done twice in his 12 year career. The Seahawks also would look at their potential run in the playoffs as a reason that a first round pick would be worth sending to the Texans to add Johnson to their squad.

The Texans probably don’t want to give up on Andre Johnson. He is likely the first player the Texans will consider adding to a ring of honor. But if a first round pick is dangled in front of them by a team they would only meet in the Super Bowl they might have to take that deal.

We’ll see on Friday if the Texans are surprised by Johnson at NRG stadium for the start of Training camp. If he doesn’t show up, it would accelerate the need to trade him or get him into camp as soon as possible. Either way Johnson will need some time to get acquainted with a new coach a new playbook and a new quarterback, whether that is in Houston or somewhere else, perhaps Seattle.

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