The Lions organizational housecleaning may involve Calvin Johnson, according to a new report.
In ESPN’s Six Points, Chris Mortensen says that the Lions may part ways with Johnson as part of a restructuring of the roster. He even says that Johnson may be more likely to move on than Matthew Stafford is.
Mortensen reasons that the star receiver is expensive, will be 31 next year, and has dealt with a number of injuries recently, and his on-field performance has diminished some as a result. He believes the Lions could dump Johnson, take the $8 million cap hit, and pursue someone like Alshon Jeffrey in free agency.
Mortensen calls the recent speculation surrounding Stafford “laughable,” citing a poll of seven NFL coaches and personnel men who unanimously felt that getting rid of Stafford would be foolish. He is still only 27, and with no obvious upgrades coming in free agency or the draft, Mortensen reasons the Lions should keep him, despite recent reports that the quarterback may not be back with the Lions in 2016.
Mortensen doesn’t rule out the Lions keeping both, but given cap restraints and recent mismanagement, he believes if anyone goes, it should be Johnson.
