Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson says he's considering retiring after nine seasons in the NFL.
He released a statement Wednesday saying "Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future. I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future.”
The possibility of the 30-year-old leaving the game after the 2015-16 season was first reported Tuesday by Terry Foster from 97.1 The Ticket.
The six-time Pro-Bowler has played his entire career in Detroit, receiving for more than 1,000 yards in seven of his nine seasons.
The team released this statement in response: “We obviously have profound respect for Calvin and certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future.”
The conclusion of this season brought rumors about Johnson's future in Detroit. Those were fueled by Johnson's declining numbers (just two 100-yard games this season) and his $24 million cap hit next year.
If Johnson did retire before next season, the Lions would be off the hook for $11.1 million of that $24 million cap.
