The Facts: The Lions will release Johnson to create some much-needed salary-cap room when NFL waivers open Thursday.

Diehards Line:Johnson was due to make $3.2 million in base salary this year, an exorbitant amount for a No. 4 receiver coming off an 18-catch season. The Lions drafted rookie Titus Young in the second round and expect he will take over as the No. 3 receiver, behind Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson. Derrick Williams goes to camp as the No. 4 receiver.