Detroit Lions NFL Trade and Roster Rumors: Teams Interested in Trading for Calvin Johnson's Rights
After a stellar nine-year career in the National Football League (NFL), six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Johnson decided to hang up his cleats in March 2016 because he wanted to preserve his long-term health. The decision was unexpected because Johnson was seemingly in the prime of his career, and at the age of 30, he still had a lot left in the tank.
Johnson has said time and again that he's not interested in making a comeback, but that didn't stop teams from reaching out to the Detroit Lions to see if they can acquire his rights.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, two NFL teams have expressed interest in acquiring Johnson, and the Lions have reportedly spoken with him to gauge his interest in coming out of retirement. However, the retired wide receiver has shown no signs of wanting to return to the field.
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Schefter didn't mention the name of the two teams, but ESPN's Chris Mortensen has suggested that the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars were the ones that contacted the Lions.
"The speculation has been the Philadelphia Eagles," Mortensen said during an appearance on ESPN's "Mike & Mike" radio show on Monday, via PhillyVoice.
"Once again, they need a tackle. They're 7–1. They have only a first round pick next year, and three 4's. They don't have a second- or third-round pick. That's not good. What's it going to take to get Calvin Johnson, who by the way has a base salary still on the books for $16 million? Calvin has been working out, I guess, but does he really want to play? Jacksonville's ears are perked up. Chances are, I don't think it happens," he continued.
The desire to play wasn't there anymore when Johnson decided to call it a career last year. Will he really consider returning?
Well, pundits don't really think so, and the Lions will have a difficult time trading him if he doesn't want to make a comeback.
