Pro Football Focus will be providing analysis for every major NFL signing and trade during the 2015 free-agency period, accounting primarily for the quality of the player and his fit with his new team, and focusing less on the financial terms of the deal.
Here is a grade for the Indianapolis Colts' signing of former Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson.
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Indianapolis Colts: B+
With additions like Frank Gore, Trent Cole and now Andre Johnson, it's clear the Colts are trying to make a run at a Super Bowl this year. It's a move that doesn't get Indianapolis much younger at receiver, but it does make the Colts better.
From 2008 to 2012, Johnson was among the top three receivers in yards per route run. In 2014, his rate dropped down to 24th best, at 1.92. While he isn't as good as he once was, that is still significantly better than the men he is replacing. Reggie Wayne regressed in 2014, and was at 1.37 yards per route run, while Hakeem Nicks was at 0.95.
Two areas where he can improve the team are on screen and hitch plays. Johnson caught 21 screen passes for 159 yards in 2014. As a team, the Colts had only 143 yards on 36 wide receiver screens. He remains a strong, tough player to bring down, with ability to generate yardage after the catch on high-percentage receptions.
He and T.Y. Hilton will likely be the starters, with Hilton moving into the slot in three-wide receiver sets and Donte Moncrief coming in as the third receiver.