Before Lions General Manager Bob Quinn signs any free agents, he’d like to know Calvin Johnson’s plans.
Quinn told reporters today that he hasn’t talked to Johnson but hopes to hear whether or not Megatron plans to retire before the start of free agency on March 9, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Although Johnson is still a good player, at this point in his career his production doesn’t match his contract, and there’s really no way the Lions can justify having his $24 million cap hit on their books for 2016. Because of that, Quinn may actually be hoping Johnson retires, as strange as that sounds when discussing a future Hall of Famer.
Johnson, however, has no real incentive to hurry up and make his decision on retirement. He’s entitled to take his time and make the decision that’s best for him. If Quinn thinks Johnson is taking too much time, he’s free to cut him. Which might just happen if Johnson doesn’t retire, and the two sides can’t agree on a restructured contract.