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Calvin Johnson said today in a statement that he is evaluating his options and expects to have a decision on his future soon.
“Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," Johnson said in the statement. I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future.”
The Lions said in the statement: "We obviously have profound respect for Calvin and certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future."
One of the best receivers in the NFL since the Lions took him with the second pick of the 2007 NFL draft, Johnson set a single-season record with 1,964 yards receiving three years ago and was selected for his sixth straight Pro Bowl this fall. But his production has declined in the face of injuries the last few years.
Johnson missed two games because of knee and finger injuries that required off-season surgery in 2013, and he missed three games and parts of two others because of a high ankle sprain last year.
This year, Johnson sprained his ankle in a Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and played through the injury the second half of the season. He practiced on a limited basis over the final two month, and was listed as questionable on seven of the Lions' final eight injury reports.
Still, Johnson finished with 88 catches for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He led the Lions in yards and touchdowns and finished second in receptions, behind Golden Tate (90).
Johnson's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, though most of it has revolved around his contract.
Johnson is scheduled to make nearly $16 million next season, a salary that far outpaces his play, and his bloated cap number of $24.008 million is one of the highest in the league.
The Lions could approach Johnson, who has two years left on his contract, about a pay cut this off-season, or release him and save about $11 million in cap room.
As Detroit Free Press reporter Dave Birkett notes, long-time Detroit radio host Terry Foster wrote in a column Tuesday that he thinks Johnson could walk away from the game, and several people who know the Pro Bowl receiver agree that it's not a far-fetched scenario.
"There has been some conversations about it, not asking me how it is," one former teammate who asked to remain anonymous because of the personal nature of his talks with Johnson told Birkett. "But I think the guy's beat up. I think he's been through enough. And I think it's just his time. He's made the money, got the records, but whatever. I don't know for sure if he's going to do it. I don't know if he's going to get that itch to keep going. I really don't know."
If Johnson retires, the Lions could seek repayment of bonus money.