The Facts: Matthew Stafford had a strong suspicion Johnson might be playing his final season last year. After seven years together, you tend to get a sense for these kinds of things. And while many fans hold out hope Johnson, 30, will have a change of heart at some point in the near future, Stafford isn't among them. He believes his longtime top target's decision to step away from the game is final. "For me, I take him very seriously at his word," Stafford said. "I'm sure he's going to miss football. It was a big part of his life. But at the same time, I think he's happy with his decision and he's at peace with it. I know he'll still pull for us, but in my mind, I don't see (a return) happening."

Diehards Line: Stafford said he didn't try to talk Johnson into playing another year. The quarterback understands the decision to hang up the cleats is a personal one. "I wanted him to be happy," Stafford said. "I told him, 'If you're happy, that's awesome. Do it because you want to do it and don't let anybody influence you.' I think he's at peace with it." HC Jim Caldwell first learned of Johnson's retirement plans the day after the team's season ended. And while Caldwell didn't plead for the star receiver to change his mind, he did encourage Johnson to give the decision additional thought and let him know his return in 2016 would be welcomed. "We certainly made our case known," Caldwell said, "but he made the final decision." Now the Lions are navigating life post-Johnson. Both Stafford and Caldwell noted they anticipate defenses to play the Lions far differently this upcoming season. After years of unorthodox and exotic coverage looks, the quarterback is looking forward to seeing some more traditional schemes.