In a week where numerous NFL teams made key moves with big-named players, including franchise tags and extensions, two veterans of the league got the short end of the stick with their teams. The Atlanta Falcons made the tough decision of releasing wide receiver Roddy White, while the Indianapolis Colts informed Andre Johnson of his release on Friday.
The Falcons made this crucial move on Wednesday, cutting their all-time receiving leader with two years remaining on his contract. White did thank the Falcons' faithful for all the years, and plans on playing in the league "another year or two."
The 34-year-old was set to make $4.25 million next season, and his release may have came from his unwillingness to take a pay cut. Falcons coach Dan Quinn claims the team never discussed restructuring his contract with White.
White dominated from 2007-2014, making four Pro Bowls and averaging 88.25 catches and 1,175.63 yards per season. His numbers declined last season, dropping to the team's fourth-leading receiver, catching 43 passes on 67 targets for 506 yards and one touchdown.
White was noticeably unhappy with his role on the team, and he now has the opportunity to create a new role in a new uniform in 2016.
The Colts cut former Houston Texan Johnson after just one season with the team. He played 12 years in Houston, before joining Indianapolis last off-season.
The seven-time Pro Bowler appeared in all 16 games for the Colts last season, catching 41 passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns. The team made the move to save $5 million in salary cap space.
Johnson never had over 81 yards in a game last year, but has racked up big numbers in his career. Those numbers include 1,053 catches for 14,100 yards and 68 touchdowns. He ranks eighth all-time in receptions, and ninth in yardage.
The 34-year-old still believes he has more left in the tank, and hopes to get the opportunity to prove that next season.
The Falcons made this crucial move on Wednesday, cutting their all-time receiving leader with two years remaining on his contract. White did thank the Falcons' faithful for all the years, and plans on playing in the league "another year or two."
The 34-year-old was set to make $4.25 million next season, and his release may have came from his unwillingness to take a pay cut. Falcons coach Dan Quinn claims the team never discussed restructuring his contract with White.
White dominated from 2007-2014, making four Pro Bowls and averaging 88.25 catches and 1,175.63 yards per season. His numbers declined last season, dropping to the team's fourth-leading receiver, catching 43 passes on 67 targets for 506 yards and one touchdown.
White was noticeably unhappy with his role on the team, and he now has the opportunity to create a new role in a new uniform in 2016.
The Colts cut former Houston Texan Johnson after just one season with the team. He played 12 years in Houston, before joining Indianapolis last off-season.
The seven-time Pro Bowler appeared in all 16 games for the Colts last season, catching 41 passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns. The team made the move to save $5 million in salary cap space.
Johnson never had over 81 yards in a game last year, but has racked up big numbers in his career. Those numbers include 1,053 catches for 14,100 yards and 68 touchdowns. He ranks eighth all-time in receptions, and ninth in yardage.
The 34-year-old still believes he has more left in the tank, and hopes to get the opportunity to prove that next season.
