Indianapolis Colts sign WR Andre Johnson to three-year deal

The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the busiest teams in the NFL since free agency opened earlier this week. Andrew Luck’s squad came one win away from reaching the Super Bowl last season and it appears the promising team led by head coach Chuck Pagano has gotten a step closer to achieving their goal in 2015.

According to ESPN, the Colts have signed veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson to a three-year deal:

A source told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that the deal is for three years and $21 million.

“I felt like this was the best place where I can win a championship and help win a championship,” Johnson said. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we play the game.”

Johnson was released by the Houston Texans earlier this week, ending his 12-year tenure there.

Although Johnson is no spring chicken, the 33-year-old received a lot of interest once he hit the open market following his release from the Houston Texans. Apparently, it came down to two teams for Johnson with the San Diego Chargers also being serious contenders to sign the seven-time Pro Bowler.

The Chargers were so close to landing Johnson that the team had chartered a jet for the veteran wideout to bring him to San Diego, but the Colts put a stop to that by offering him a lucrative deal. Johnson signing a three-year deal at 33 for $21 million is surprising to say the least, especially after Indianapolis parted ways with longtime wide receiver Reggie Wayne recently.

Johnson will finally be paired up with a star quarterback with Luck under center in Indianapolis and could see a resurgence after a few disappointing seasons in Houston. Running back, and former teammate of Johnson’s from the University of Miami, Frank Gore, also agreed to terms with the Colts after flying with Johnson to Indianapolis the other day.

The additions of Johnson and Gore could be great short-term fixes for the Colts as they aim to come out on top in the AFC next season. Luck will have the threat coming out of the backfield and another solid option in the passing game alongside T.Y. Hilton. Indianapolis continues to take steps in the right direction and might give the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots a run for their money.

Currently, the Colts have 10 to 1 odds to win Super Bowl 50, according to Sportsbook.ag.