HOUSTON -- Rob Johnson knows if he signs with the NFL expansion Houston Texans, his role might be that of a short-term quarterback while the team grooms a college draft pick for the job.

That's fine with the former Buffalo Bills starter.

"The team told me the situation. They will probably draft a quarterback" in the April college draft, Johnson said."I'm fine with that. I'm a team guy."

Johnson was in Houston on Monday and Tuesday to talk with Texans officials.

He is on the free agent market because the Bills released him last week after his salary cap figure proved to be too expensive for the team and a new contract couldn't be negotiated.

If the Texans sign Johnson, he probably would be the starting quarterback while Fresno State's David Carr, the team's expected No. 1 pick in the college draft, is prepared for the job.

"If the team feels he's the best guy for the situation, I'll support it," Johnson said.

However, the former Bills quarterback said if he comes to Houston, he expects to play well and win.

"I'm not thinking of taking this year off because I'd be on an expansion team," he said."If things work out here, I could be here for a while."

Johnson said he knows if he doesn't play well, he would be pulled out and replaced.

Inconsistent play has marked his career. In Buffalo, he got embroiled in a quarterback controversy with Doug Flutie. Prior to last season, the Bills released Flutie and made Johnson their undisputed No. 1 quarterback.

But he finished this past season going 1-7, and missed the Bills' final eight games after breaking his collarbone in a 21-11 loss at New England on Nov. 11.

Johnson was criticized for not grasping the Bills' newly introduced West Coast offensive scheme and for his habit of holding on to the ball too long, leading to sacks.

Texans general manager Charley Casserly said he knows that Johnson has had his share of injuries and sacks.

"He's had some bad luck. We'll see what his luck here in Houston is," he said."We'd love to have him."

Casserly said negotiations with Johnson's agent, David Dunn, are still taking place. But whoever the Texans sign for the quarterback position, the team expects it to be a short-term contract, he said.

"This is the best job in football," Casserly said."I think (Johnson) recognizes that."

Johnson said he is also talking to Tampa, Cincinnati and Baltimore but didn't see anything stopping a deal with the Texans.

He is impressed by Houston's offensive line, which includes five-time Pro Bowl tackle Tony Boselli, who was picked up from the Jacksonville Jaguars in February's NFL expansion draft.

Boselli and Johnson played together in Jacksonville. If Johnson comes to Houston, he would also be reunited with Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, who held the same position with the Jaguars.

"It's a fresh start here," Johnson said.