There are a lot of big names preparing to hit the market with contracts expiring in 2016. However, one of the biggest names potentially hitting the market does not have an expiring contract, but his salary is no longer attainable by the team. Calvin Johnson has been the face of the franchise for the Detroit Lions, but as the team looks to rebuild in both the front office and the roster, the receiver's salary can no longer be maintained and he could hit the market as a result.
Johnson is well aware his future is being placed into question. While the wide receiver certainly proved he is still an elite option on the field in 2015, his $24 million cap hit in 2016 is no longer wanted. Johnson remains the highest paid receiver on a team that is not looking to keep such a big contract on their pay roll. The Lions would save $11.1 million by releasing him this offseason and it is a possibility that it happens.
"It's not in my control," Johnson said, via ESPN.com. "Only the things that I do are in my control. Whatever decisions they make, that's up to them, you know what I'm saying. Just going to enjoy this downtime and go from there."
The Matthew Stafford-Johnson connection has been a highlight for the Lions over the year, but the franchise cannot afford to keep both players heading into 2016. Stafford is not as easy to replace as Johnson which could impact the decision. The wide receiver market in the NFL Draft and free agency will be loaded with talent while the quarterback market has some question marks with it. If the Lions feel they can easily find another Johnson this offseason, the veteran will be looking for a new place to play in 2016.
According to Michael Rothstein, whoever the new general manager is for the Lions will likely try and keep Johnson, but they will have to get creative in order to do so. The Lions can attempt to restructure Johnson's contract, but that would likely leave the receiver taking a pay cut in the coming year. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport originally reported Johnson had no interest in taking a pay cut. If that is the case, keeping the receiver might not be possible.
The Lions have some young talent to build upon which might make the release of Johnson easier if that were to happen. Eric Ebron saw an improved sophomore season while Ameer Abdullah looked the part of the running back of the future for the team. That could impact the futures of Joique Bell who struggled this year and Theo Riddick who improved. Golden Tate is signed through 2019. With players like Lance Moore and Corey Fuller hitting the free agent market, the Lions will have to address the position regardless. Whether or not Johnson stays will dictate how early the Lions make a move for someone in the draft.