Calvin Johnson hasn’t talked about un-retiring from football, but given what initiated his departure, there’s at least a line of reasoning that could bring ‘Megatron’ back into the league – and ultimately far away from Detroit.
“I don’t have the freedom just to go,” Johnson recently told European Press. “I was stuck in my contract with Detroit and they told me they would not release my contract, so I would have to come back to them, so I didn’t see a chance for them to win a Super Bowl at the time and for the work that I was putting in, it wasn’t worth my time to keep beating my head against the wall and not going anywhere. It’s the definition of insanity.”
In reality, if Johnson really wants to play for a contender, he may only need to show up at Lions’ training camp to be granted his release. According to CBS Sports’ salary cap expert Joel Corry, if Johnson was to return to Detroit, the Lions would likely have to release him on account of his hefty salary cap figure.
Presently, the Lions have around $6 million in salary cap room – roughly half of what it would take to keep ‘Megatron’ on the roster.
The Lions would likely make the path out of Detroit slow and arduous – owners and executives don’t enjoy being held hostage by players – but they would do so at their own peril. The Seahawks were wise to avoid training camp drama with Marshawn Lynch and Johnson’s scenario in Detroit is very similar.
Could the Raiders and Lions reach a similar agreement?
Marshawn Lynch came out of retirement to join the Raiders. Could Calvin Johnson do the same? pic.twitter.com/KtDSGojs5r
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 18, 2017
Well, probably not.
While many have speculated that Oakland would be one of Johnson’s top choices (he even joined the team this summer for workouts), the former All-Pro wide receiver has given no indication that he’s interested in a return to football and is reportedly planning to move his family to Georgia later in the year.
Given the timing with training camp beginning in a week, it’s probably best to (begrudgingly) let go of the dream.
Should have been to just drafted ‘Megatron’ in the first place.
Purple drank.
twitter: @raidersbeat
(photo credit: sfgate.com)
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I believe Calvin , needs Us Raider Nation to want him in Silver n Black, if your a Fan and you want the best team in Football , Make it be known to Calvin last chance at a Super bowl Title is Now . If every Raider fan go Viral on Calvin unretiring do it . This team would be the first to Win Three Straight Superbowls
Take this **** off your site. I’d never play for the raiders.