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Vikings | Adam Thielen goes over 100 yards again Sun Oct 21, 05:14 PM
Minnesota Vikings WR Adam Thielen finished with nine receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets in Week 7 against the New York Jets. He has seven straight 100-yard games, one shy of matching the NFL record set by former Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson in 2012.
| Footballguys view: Thielen can't be stopped. He is the most valuable fantasy receiver and probably is untouchable in your league right now. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Adam Thielen player page
NFL | Calvin Johnson not coming back Sat Jan 13, 08:22 PM
Retired WR Calvin Johnson said he is not interested in playing professional football again and is enjoying his time off the field.
| Footballguys view: Every year (just like with Barry Sanders years ago), we have to check in with Megatron to see if there's a chance we could see him again. Johnson also said he does not want to be a coach because it would take up too much of his time. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson not coming back Tue Jan 2, 11:23 AM
Former Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson reiterated on The Players' Tribune Tuesday, Jan. 2, that he is not coming out of retirement.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson rumors swirl Mon Oct 30, 12:45 PM
Retired WR Calvin Johnson, whose rights the Detroit Lions own, has been the subject of trade calls from two teams over the past week, according to sources. Figuring they had nothing to lose, the Lions told teams to reach out to Johnson to gauge his interest, but so far it has been noncommittal at best, diminishing any hope for a deal, sources said.
| Footballguys view: It's great to think about Johnson returning to the football field, but the reality of that happening is likely slim. Several teams would love to add Megatron, and reports/rumors seem to indicate the Eagles and the Jaguars could be most interested. We'll see if anything happens before the Tuesday trade deadline at 4pm ET. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Teams check in on Calvin Johnson Sun Oct 29, 10:12 AM
The Detroit Lions have been contacted by two teams about the possibility of trading for the rights of retired WR Calvin Johnson, according to sources. The Lions have told teams to reach out to Johnson to gauge his interest in playing again, but he has been noncommittal to this point.
| Footballguys view: Johnson was hanging around teams as a consultant earlier this year. He just turned 32 and would certainly have fantasy value if he returns to the NFL. There is only a slim chance of this happening, but the possible payoff is more than enough to add Johnson in deep dynasty leagues. |
Calvin Johnson player page
NFL | Teams reaching out to Calvin Johnson? Thu Aug 10, 10:09 PM
Retired Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson has been contacted by at least a half-dozen teams to gauge his interest in returning to the NFL, according to Mike Freeman of BleacherReport.com.
| Footballguys view: The Lions would need to give up his rights in a trade, which might be very difficult to pull off. Still, very deep dynasty league owners should add Johnson just in case because the potential reward is so great. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Raiders | Calvin Johnson linked to Raiders Tue Jul 18, 11:36 AM
Former Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson was a guest of Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Todd Downing during organized team activities earlier this summer. He also played golf with Downing, head coach Jack Del Rio and QB Derek Carr.
| Footballguys view: There's been quite a bit of buzz about Megatron recently, but he's still retired. It would be an amazing story if the Raiders were able to snare both RB Marshawn Lynch and Johnson coming out of retirement in 2017. According to OverTheCap.com, the Raiders have around $18 million in cap space right now. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson's return could put Lions in bind Tue Jul 18, 11:30 AM
Former Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson, if he decided to come out of retirement, could force the team to release him.
| Footballguys view: This is an interesting story to keep an eye on as Johnson has recently opened up about why he walked away from the Lions and into retirement. If he returned, Johnson's old salary would count against the team's cap. According to Spotrac, Johnson cleared over $11 million in salary cap space when he retired, which would put the Lions over the threshold. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson invited to camp Mon Jul 17, 12:17 PM
Retired WR Calvin Johnson was invited to training camp by the Detroit Lions team president Rod Wood told WJR Radio.
| Footballguys view: Wood has been exchanging text messages with Johnson that he described as "cordial" and "professional" but he did not get into specifics. Johnson opened up about his retirement from the Lions recently, talking about how the constant losing was a factor in his decision to walk away. Johnson has declared before that a return to the NFL would be too much of a toll on his body. |
Calvin Johnson player page
NFL | Calvin Johnson reiterates he's done Wed Dec 21, 10:42 AM
Former Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson reiterated Tuesday, Dec. 20, that he's not returning to play football.
| Footballguys view: We'd love to see Megatron back in the NFL, but that doesn't seem to be a possibility. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Mathew Stafford expects different offense Fri Jul 29, 11:55 PM
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he expects to lean on the running game a little more in 2016 with WR Calvin Johnson now retired. 'I think it'll make us different,' he said Thursday, July 28. 'It's on us to make it more dangerous. We got to go out there and make the plays.'
| Footballguys view: It's going to be weird not seeing WR Calvin Johnson catching passes from Stafford this year. Fantasy owners know the offense is going to flow through Stafford as their rushing attack doesn't exactly strike fear into opponents. We like Stafford as a QB2 with QB1 upside in 2016. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson staying retired Sat Jun 25, 08:37 PM
Retired WR Calvin Johnson (Lions) said Saturday, June 25, that he feels good about his decision to retire and is not coming back to the NFL.
| Footballguys view: Johnson might change his tune next year if his body feels better and he gets an itch to play football again, but the Lions would have the first shot at him. He might be worth a roster spot in very deep dynasty leagues, but the chances of him playing again are tiny despite his retiring when he still probably had multiple productive years left. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Detroit offense tougher for defenses? Tue Jun 21, 08:50 PM
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford believes his offense will be tougher to defend without former WR Calvin Johnson. Stafford said defenses won't know who the Lions will go to on offense, whereas most of the time in previous years Johnson was their go-to guy.
| Footballguys view: Yeah, we'll believe it when we see it. How can you lose a top WR in the game and be BETTER on offense? We'll be skeptical about this, but at least Stafford is showing confidence as he moves forward without Johnson. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones will be the top two wideouts for the Lions in 2016. We see Tate as a low-end WR2 while Jones is more of a low-end WR3 for fantasy owners. The current ADP for Tate is WR22 (4.04) while Jones is at WR41 (9.03) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Detroit not expecting Calvin Johnson back Mon May 9, 01:18 PM
Retired WR Calvin Johnson is not expected to return to the Detroit Lions and play in 2016, according to general manager Bob Quinn.
| Footballguys view: That's the best move for the Lions. Johnson is gone, and we'll likely never see Megatron in an NFL uniform ever again. The conversations Quinn had with Johnson before his retirement was announced lead the executive to feel the superstar WR is never coming back. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson was wearing down Sat Mar 26, 08:13 PM
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he knew the NFL was 'wearing on' retired WR Calvin Johnson. 'Not to say that I expected it, but I wasn't shocked,' Stafford said Friday, March 25. 'I've known Calvin for seven years and know the effort and the attitude that he plays with, and it takes a toll on people. And he was catching quite a few passes and getting hit quite a bunch, and so it takes a toll.'
| Footballguys view: Playing in the NFL is a grind...so is playing in Detroit where hope is a bad word. Johnson may be lured out of retirement someday, but we're not counting on it. It was so much fun watching him play in the pros, but that time is likely over. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson is done Tue Mar 8, 11:09 AM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson filed his retirement papers Tuesday, March 8, and has officially retired from the NFL.
| Footballguys view: We're sad to see Megatron go. He's been banged up over the last three seasons and decided to hang it up at 30 years old. Johnson finishes his nine-year pro career with 731 catches, 11,619 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns. The Lions are now scrambling at the position. Golden Tate should take over as the lead receiver, but they'll be looking for upgrades in the draft and free agency. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson decision coming Tue Mar 8, 10:14 AM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson is expected to make a decision on retirement Tuesday, March 8.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson decision before the draft? Mon Feb 29, 12:25 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson hasn't spoken publicly about his decision on whether to retire this offseason, but one person who has spoken with him in recent weeks said he expects Johnson to make a decision sometime before the NFL Draft in April. Free agency starts March 9, and the Lions would like a decision before then.
| Footballguys view: The Lions may have to navigate through free agency blindly if Johnson doesn't tell them if he's actually going to retire. We could see them in the mix for guys like WR Marvin Jones, but the team is going to be hamstrung by the money tied up in Johnson's contract. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson not posturing for raise Mon Feb 29, 08:35 AM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson took exception to the speculation that he's threatening to retire to receive more money from the Lions. A source close to Johnson said the he has no money concerns and is simply evaluating whether he wants to continue playing. He's not expected to come to a decision for several weeks.
| Footballguys view: Johnson is the highest paid receiver in the league in terms of average annual salary. He's not concerned about money, but his body has been breaking down in recent years. Johnson may decide that it's best for him to hang up his cleats. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Detroit tops NFL in offensive spending Thu Feb 25, 07:16 PM
The Detroit Lions have $83.29 million invested in offensive players as free agency approaches. The Lions are projected to be $32.73 million under the cap. QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson combine to make up 29.8% of the allocated money.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | No deadline for Megatron decision Wed Feb 24, 02:50 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson had no deadline placed by the team on his decision to retire this offseason. General manager Bob Quinn confirmed he has spoken with Johnson but wouldn't go into details. Johnson could have to restructure or sign a new contract if he returns in 2016.
| Footballguys view: Johnson's retirement is clearly not yet a foregone conclusion, and there is still value there in dynasty leagues and early drafts. The ninth or tenth round seems to be the break point in startups and early redraft leagues, and a second round rookie pick could land him in a trade in dynasty leagues. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson still undecided Thu Feb 18, 12:27 PM
The Detroit Lions continue to wait on WR Calvin Johnson as he contemplates retirement. President Rod Wood said that he doesn't have a sense of what Johnson plans on doing, and there is no definitive timetable for a decision. The start of the new league year isn't really a deadline because they want to give Johnson all the time he needs. Johnson carries a $24 million salary cap hit in 2016.
| Footballguys view: This reminds us of the great old days of Brett Favre keeping the Packers waiting. The Lions would like to know whether Johnson will return so they can either replace him on the roster if need be. On the other hand, they want him back because it's no easy thing to replace one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson's body not holding up Wed Feb 10, 01:56 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson's body and injuries are the main reason he is contemplating retirement, according to WR teammate Golden Tate. 'But his body just isn't holding up. With his body type, and how he plays the game, he plays at a high level all the time for a bunch of years,' Tate said.
| Footballguys view: Johnson needed weekly knee drains in 2013 in order to play, and he missed three games and was used as a decoy in two other games with a high ankle sprain in 2014. Johnson also battled ankle injuries this year. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson and GM could meet Fri Feb 5, 11:47 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson is staying in touch with team president Rod Wood, and Wood said he hopes to introduce Johnson to general manager Bob Quinn sometime next week.
| Footballguys view: Everyone is just going to have to be patient here. It looks like Johnson is going to retire at this time, but he could change his mind as the season draws closer. We don't think a meeting in February with the GM will all of a sudden change his mind. However, it's a wise move for the Lions to stay in contact with Johnson. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson's longevity was in question Thu Feb 4, 09:25 AM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson's (ankles) longevity and condition of his ankles was a concern for doctors, and the team told prospective coaches they were interviewing about it in 2014.
| Footballguys view: The questions will come now that (it seems) Johnson is hanging up his cleats. We still think Johnson has great years left, but having ankle issues would definitely limit his production going forward. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Detroit wants Calvin Johnson to return Mon Feb 1, 05:18 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson may be offered an extension by the Lions in an effort by Detroit to bring their star wide receiver back. It was reported earlier that Johnson made the Lions aware of his intentions to retire following the 2015 season.
| Footballguys view: Of course the Lions want Calvin Johnson back! Not only are they thin at the position behind him, he's still a top-10 receiver in the NFL. Johnson is far from the end of his career, and he could be a top contributor to their offense for years to come. Nothing's official, and the Lions are hoping they can convince Johnson to play in 2016..and beyond. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson plans to retire Sun Jan 31, 05:29 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson told head coach Jim Caldwell after the regular season that he plans to retire, according to sources. Caldwell has told Johnson to take his time with his decision, and the Lions are hoping that Johnson will change his mind this offseason.
| Footballguys view: Johnson turned 30 in September, and reports say he told family that 2015 would be his last season. While he seems content with his decision right now, there's always a chance that Johnson changes his mind. He's due approximately $16 million in base salary (per Spotrac.com) in 2016, but he's got a cap number of just over $24 million after bonuses. If Johnson ends up retiring, the Lions will obviously make adding talent at the position a priority. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | No timetable for Calvin Johnson decision Tue Jan 26, 02:59 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson does not have a timetable on a decision to retire or not, according to Johnson's agent.
| Footballguys view: Johnson has earned the right to take as long as he wants. The Lions need to get back on the winning track after a disappointing 2015 season, and having Johnson out there would help them do that. If he doesn't retire, the Lions may ask Johnson to take a pay cut. Under contract through 2019, Johnson is due $15.95 million next season. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Matthew Stafford talks Megatron Thu Jan 14, 01:15 PM
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford believes WR Calvin Johnson is seriously considering retirement this offseason. 'I think, anytime Calvin says something, it's not for show, it's something serious,' Stafford said. 'I think you guys have covered him long enough to know that he's a pretty measured person, and everything that he says to the public is a thought-out thing. So in that regard, I'm sure it's thought-out.'
| Footballguys view: It's crazy that Johnson could go the Barry Sanders route and leave when he still has years left, though he's not quite at the top of his game the way Sanders was. We'll watch this carefully as it will impact the Lions offense and the front office's plans for the offseason. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson will be given time Tue Jan 12, 12:33 AM
Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn said Monday, Jan. 11, that when the time is right he will reach out to WR Calvin Johnson about his future plans. He said a couple of weeks after the season isn't that time.
| Footballguys view: That's the wise move by Quinn and the Lions. Even if Johnson decides he's going to play, we might see the team ask him to restructure his contract. Johnson is due a whopping $15.95 million in 2016. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Megatron told mother he may retire Thu Jan 7, 08:32 AM
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson told his mother he wasn't sure he wanted to play anymore, and he cleaned out his locker unlike other veterans.
| Footballguys view: Ala Barry Sanders. It would be sad to see the second franchise player retire because it just became too exhausted with the team struggles. He may just need some time, but it would be crazy to picture this team without Calvin Johnson suiting up. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson considering retirement? Wed Jan 6, 02:19 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson spent as much time in the training room as anyone this year, and his ankle injury forced him to miss large chunks of practice time for a second straight season. As a result, Johnson is contemplating his future and has mentioned the subject of retirement to at least one former teammate. Several people that know Johnson said it's not far-fetched. Johnson's production has declined in recent seasons due to injuries. He missed two games with knee and finger injuries in 2013, missed three games and parts of two others last year and missed Week 8 this season with a sprained ankle and played through the injury for much of the second half. He still managed to catch 88 passes for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015 and led the Lions in yards and touchdowns.
| Footballguys view: Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on this situation. Without Johnson, it would heavily impact the fantasy value of guys like QB Matthew Stafford and WR Golden Tate. Johnson is scheduled to make $16 million next year and has a cap number of $24.008 million. Detroit could ask him to take a pay cut or outright release him to save $11 million in cap space. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Megatron finishes season strong Sun Jan 3, 10:57 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) posted 10 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown in the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears. He was targeted 15 times.
| Footballguys view: Johnson had a big game to go out on for this season, as he goes into an offseason that is fraught with uncertainty. The Lions should seek to keep him, but we are talking about the Lions. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson not anticipating surgery Fri Jan 1, 09:38 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) said he plans to play in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears and doesn't expect to need surgery on his ankle in the offseason.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson questionable Fri Jan 1, 05:11 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 1, and is listed as questionable for the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears.
| Footballguys view: Johnson bounced back last week, but he is still going to be a risky Week 17 play. His upside against the Bears still makes him a WR2 at worst. |
Lions | Calvin Johnson practices Thu Dec 31, 01:15 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Dec. 31.
| Footballguys view: It hasn't been a great season for Johnson either in real life or fantasy. He's slipped down to WR2 status these days and we are hoping it's not a permanent status change. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Detroit players won't be rested Wed Dec 30, 06:03 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) and the rest of the Lions will not be rested in Week 17, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. Caldwell said if the players are healthy enough to play, then they'll play.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson doesn't practice Wed Dec 30, 04:10 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 30.
| Footballguys view: Johnson will play if he's healthy enough to suit up in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. See if he can practice on Friday. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson to play if healthy Wed Dec 30, 12:37 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) will play if he's healthy enough to suit up in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Jim Caldwell.
| Footballguys view: Keep this in mind if you play a championship game in Week 17. Johnson sat out the regular season finale in 2013 when the Lions had nothing to play for. DFS players need to take note as well. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson bounces back Sun Dec 27, 08:32 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson finished with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in a 32-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16.
| Footballguys view: Johnson didn't look like good old Megatron, but he steadily built up numbers and should be trustworthy again in Week 17 Super Bowls against Chicago. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson questionable Fri Dec 25, 08:52 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 25, and is listed as questionable for the Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
| Footballguys view: Johnson is a boom/bust WR2 this week coming off of this ill-timed cold streak. The 49ers pass defense on the road has been generous this year, but Johnson has done nothing to instill confidence. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Pay cut for Calvin Johnson? Thu Dec 24, 09:22 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson was noncommittal when asked if he would take a pay cut after the season to stay with the team. 'We'll consider those things when or if they happen,' Johnson said.
| Footballguys view: Johnson seems like he could be on the decline, and the last two years he has barely topped 1,000, though 2014 it was due to injury. Still, the Lions have some more hard choices to make as does Johnson. This week your hard choice involves how much to trust Johnson, who we see as a borderline WR2/WR3. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson limited Thursday Thu Dec 24, 05:40 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 24.
| Footballguys view: Is it another week of "Calvin Johnson, human distraction?" We think so. He's relegated to WR2/WR3 status this week even against San Francisco. |
Lions | Calvin Johnson limited in practice Wed Dec 23, 05:26 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 23.
| Footballguys view: We're wary of trusting Johnson this week. We like Golden Tate against the 49ers this week, but Johnson burned many of you last week with a bad performance on Monday night against the Saints. Consider him more of a low-end WR2 in Week 16. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson disappears again Tue Dec 22, 01:48 AM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) managed just one reception for 19 yards in the Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints. He was targeted just once in the win.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson will play in Week 15 Mon Dec 21, 07:05 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) is officially active for the Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints Monday, Dec. 21.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson sits Saturday Sat Dec 19, 04:39 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) was out of practice Saturday, Dec. 19, and he's questionable for Week 15 Monday, Dec. 21.
| Footballguys view: Sitting out Saturday is a bit of a concern for fantasy owners. We're still confident that Johnson will be able to put up low-end WR1 numbers on Monday Night Football against a bad Saints defense. |
Calvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson not practicing Sat Dec 19, 11:35 AM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) is not participating in practice Saturday, Dec. 19, but is still expected to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.
Link to storyCalvin Johnson player page
Lions | Calvin Johnson limited Fri Dec 18, 06:53 PM
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 18.
Calvin Johnson player page Lions | Calvin Johnson returns to practice Fri Dec 18, 02:20 PM
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) was back at practice Friday, Dec. 18.
| Footballguys view: Johnson was a dud last week, but the matchup with the Saints is a good one for opposing passcatchers and it promises to be a high-scoring prime time game in the Superdome. |
Calvin Johnson player page