Texans' top pick expected to be in camp on time

[The_Philster]

Deal almost done
HOUSTON (AP) -- Andre Johnson, the third overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, is close to reaching a deal with the Houston Texans, Houston television station KRIV reported Thursday.

Andre Melton, who is helping his nephew with negotiations said he is sure Johnson won't enter training camp late.

"I can guarantee you he will be in camp on time," Melton told KRIV. "We are very close to an agreement in principle on a six-year deal." ...

more (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2003/07/17/johnson_texans_ap/)

[Gunzlingr]

It took five weeks, but the Texans finally got another draft pick under contract, and while it wasn't first-round pick Andre Johnson, the two sides are close to an agreement, and a deal appears imminent.

Negotiations stalled after Johnson severed ties with agent Jeff Moorad, but things have heated up since Johnson hired Donald West to represent him. Andre Melton, Johnson's uncle and adviser, made his strongest public comments on the negotiations Thursday.

"Andre will be in camp on time," Melton said. "I can guarantee you that. It might run up to the 24th (of July), but even if it does, we'll get it done in the 11th hour if we have to. Either way, he will be in camp on time. We're still trying to work some things out and make this thing happen, but he'll be in camp on time."

Players are scheduled to report on July 25, with workouts beginning the next day. Texans general manager Charley Casserly does not comment specifically on ongoing contract negotiations.

more (http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/fb/nfl/2000200)

[The_Philster]

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Texans gave quarterback David Carr a new target Tuesday, signing their No. 1 draft pick, wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Johnson will join Texans receivers Corey Bradford and Jabar Gaffney in helping the Texans bolster their receiving, ranked last in the NFL last season.

"We're thrilled to have Andre in camp on time," Texans general manager Charley Casserly told the team's Web site. "Andre made a commitment to us back when we drafted him that he would be here for training camp and he followed through with it."...
more (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2003/preview/news/2003/07/22/texans_johnson_ap/)