Lions WR in line for massive pay day Brad Biggs
Calvin Johnson expects the Detroit Lions to get down to business with him soon.
General manager Martin Mayhew, after the team’s season ended with a wild-card round playoff loss, said the Lions would turn their focus in free agency to keeping their own players in place. Johnson is the big fish and while he has one year remaining on his contract, the Lions are motivated to take action now.
"Yeah, definitely, we're going to see here — soon," Johnson said Monday in an appearance on Jim Rome’s ESPN show, according to the Detroit News. “We're going to have some talks soon, and hopefully get things rolling."
Johnson is set to earn $14 million this season and he has the third-largest contract on his team behind quarterback Matthew Stafford and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The 26-year-old is coming off a monster season with 96 receptions for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The question is real simple: Where is he paid in relation to the $120 million, eight-year deal the Arizona Cardinals gave Larry Fitzgerald? That was Fitzgerald’s third contract. This will be Johnson’s second.
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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
Megatron, if things don't work out with Motown I will personally pick you up at O'Hare.
+1 @Johnny Z
I understand the size of ones' contract validates ones' perceived worth to a team, but seriously? I'm not mad at them for getting what they can, but at the end of a career, does one really brag about how much money they made or how many rings they have?
What if Megatron never makes it to the Super Bowl because the Lions simply couldn't afford to get a top shelf RB who stays healthy? Not just Megatron's contract, but his is next up. Stafford and Suh with their pre-CBA contracts, too. And Fairley and the rest of the D-line. Something's got to give eventually.
Megatron can command Fitzgerald money if he wants, but look at the team Fitzgerald is playing for now. Seriously? Does anyone remember how much money Edge got when he went to the Cardinals while Peyton won the Super Bowl with cheaper RBs?
Stafford, Johnson and Suh
That is where the money belongs on the Lions. Sorry Fairley.
Why pay huge for a "top shelf" running back? Draft a talented one you can develop.
The Lions, like the Packers, are becoming a pass first team. Why over pay for a
running back who is more complementary than a featured player
I would never draft a RB in the first round. Forte was a second rounder and that's as high as I would go. QBs, LTs, WRs, pass rushers, DBs - all can be taken in the first round. But RBs? No.
Jan 24, 2012
10:15 AM
Well, here's to the hope his demands force the Lions to lessen the team.