John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports the Houston Texans and Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson are close on a contract that will make Johnson the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

Johnson currently has five years and over $35 million remaining on the eight-year, $59.7 million contract he signed in 2007, a deal that will pay him nearly $6 million n base salary in 2010.

With 587 receptions, 7,948 yards, 42 touchdowns, and four Pro Bowls on his resume, the 3rd overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft feels he's outperformed that extension. Despite the massive value of that extension, it contained just $15 million in guarantees, providing no security moving forward.

The contract Johnson would like to replicate belongs to the 3rd pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. That deal (4-years, $40M) isn't the richest ever signed by a receiver, but over 80% of the deal was guaranteed, which is all that really matters.

Johnson's previous extension was negotiated by his uncle, Andre Melton. When it comes to getting a new contract, Johnson added agent Kennard McGuire, who represents fellow wide receivers Brandon Marshall and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, each of whom signed lucrative long-term deals in the last two off-seasons.