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Calvin Johnson says he may retire this offseason


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Words from Johnson himself.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4153/calvin-johnson

 

Calvin Johnson released a statement Wednesday confirming he is considering retiring from the NFL this offseason.

"Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," Johnson said. "I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future."
Set to turn 31 this year (in September) and coming off myriad injury-plagued seasons, Johnson simply seems worn down. Hopefully he'll sit down, rest up, and decide to continue his career after his body heals. But it's clear that this could be it for Megatron.
Edited by Wolverines Fan
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I respect when people know when to step down. He's on the decline, but still has a few 1000 yard seasons left; however, it nice to leave in one piece. My only is concern is will he make it to the all of fame. I don't think he's a lock if he retires now.

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I thought I read earlier in the year that there was also some huge contract number for this year, looks like $16M, which meant they might not be able to keep him and would trade. Some people thought they might restructure in that case.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/

 

Either way I hope he stays, been a staple of my fantasy team (one of my 5 keepers) since drafting him in his rookie year (2007). He surely has a few more seasons left, maybe not elite level but at least a low WR1 / high WR2.

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I thought I read earlier in the year that there was also some huge contract number for this year, looks like $16M, which meant they might not be able to keep him and would trade. Some people thought they might restructure in that case.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/

 

Either way I hope he stays, been a staple of my fantasy team (one of my 5 keepers) since drafting him in his rookie year (2007). He surely has a few more seasons left, maybe not elite level but at least a low WR1 / high WR2.

Yeah, I hope he stays also. I've traded for him the past few years, and he "usually" delivers. LOL I just don't know if Detroit is the team for him. A playoff caliber team could really utilize him and get some really good years out of him.

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He probably doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. Threatening to retire is a way to gain leverage in case the Lions try to trade him. Most veteran stars will threaten retirement at some point in a trade process.

 

Rotoworld states that $9 million of his $15.95 million 2016 salary is guaranteed. Other sources seem to contradict this. If it is true, then trading Calvin will save the Lions $9 million in both actual cash and cap space over cutting him. Cutting him wouldn't be an option this year.

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He doesn't really have any leverage. It's irrelevant whether they cut him, trade him, or he retires before June 2 of 2016, Detroit in any of,those scenarios gets hit with $21M in 2016-2107 salary cap (it rolls forward). If June 2nd rolls around, Detroit gets hit with $13M in 2017-2018 cap. He doesn't gain anything by holding out so that Detroit has $8M less against the cap . He gets the same either way, minus whatever clawback provisions might be their which would probably be minimal. He would get another $16M in salary if he plays next year, according to the sportrac breakdown, but salary isn't dead money.

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He's not 'holding out'. He is resisting a restructuring of his current contract. There's a big difference. Calvin is in the driver's seat here as he is currently signed to a HUGH contract. If the Lions want to modify that contract, they are at Calvin's mercy and it will come down to whether or not he wants to give them a home town discount.

 

Their other options are cut him or trade him, neither of which would be bad for Calvin, unless he just really loves living in beautiful Detroit.

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He's not 'holding out'. He is resisting a restructuring of his current contract. There's a big difference. Calvin is in the driver's seat here as he is currently signed to a HUGH contract. If the Lions want to modify that contract, they are at Calvin's mercy and it will come down to whether or not he wants to give them a home town discount.

 

Their other options are cut him or trade him, neither of which would be bad for Calvin, unless he just really loves living in beautiful Detroit.

 

I doubt Calvin or any Lions or other Detroit sports team players actually live in the city of Detroit, or even close the city (some immeidate suburbs like Southfield have gone to hell as well). Plus he may live most of the off season back in GA where he grew up.

 

I thought this may have something to do with some restructuring options and salary cap issues. So long as he doesn't retire I'm happy for FF reasons. If he isn't a Lion he's likely to put up equal or better stats elsewhere.

 

An interesting read from his former Lions teammate Nate Burleson (its about his health not money)

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/07/calvin-johnson/78403822/

Edited by stevegrab
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I doubt Calvin or any Lions or other Detroit sports team players actually live in the city of Detroit, or even close the city (some immeidate suburbs like Southfield have gone to hell as well). Plus he may live most of the off season back in GA where he grew up.

 

I thought this may have something to do with some restructuring options and salary cap issues. So long as he doesn't retire I'm happy for FF reasons. If he isn't a Lion he's likely to put up equal or better stats elsewhere.

 

An interesting read from his former Lions teammate Nate Burleson (its about his health not money)

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/07/calvin-johnson/78403822/

That was a good read. He has always come across as an introvert with no drama. His head is definitely on right in regards to the game.

 

“Calvin just suits up, he puts the city on his back, he puts the team on his back. When we’ve had our moments — quiet, away from the cameras — he said all he wants to do is give Detroit a championship. And if it’s going to cost him his body, then he’ll walk away from the game before he has to do that.”

 

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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2016/01/03/detroit-lions-calvin-johnson-jeff-seidel/78244572/

 

The Detroit Free Press says if the Lions cut Calvin that they'll eat $12 million in dead money. Does this include the $9 million Calvin is guaranteed this year? Is Calvin guaranteed $9 million this year? If so, they are essentially paying Calvin $6.95 million for 2016 while he has a cap number of $24 million. Calvin is in the driver's seat this year, but he can be easily cut next year. Calvin is playing hardball like Philip Rivers did last year. Calvin just wants one more payday. Retirement is the only thing that he won't do.

Edited by michaelredd9
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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2016/01/03/detroit-lions-calvin-johnson-jeff-seidel/78244572/

 

The Detroit Free Press says if the Lions cut Calvin that they'll eat $12 million in dead money. Does this include the $9 million Calvin is guaranteed this year? Is Calvin guaranteed $9 million this year? If so, they are essentially paying Calvin $6.95 million for 2016 while he has a cap number of $24 million. Calvin is in the driver's seat this year, but he can be easily cut next year. Calvin is playing hardball like Philip Rivers did last year. Calvin just wants one more payday. Retirement is the only thing that he won't do.

 

It's all detailed in the contract breakdown that stevegrab linked -- http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/

 

He's guaranteed $21M regardless of what happens. Bonuses (signing, option, restructuring) are guaranteed but prorated. If he is cut, retires, or is traded before June 1, Detroit gets hit with ~$21M against their 2016-2017 cap -- bonuses "balloon" forward into next year and are all due at once. If any of those happen after June 1 it's $13M. That's dead money. But... salary is not guaranteed, not dead money.

 

His increased 2016 salary, combined with dead money, puts Detroit's 2016 overall cap at $24M - $4M more than this year. That's countered by the fact that the dead money is $8M less. That's why his leverage is limited. At best he could hope to split the difference and get $2M more in salary next year. He won't decrease his guaranteed bonuses, and Detroit won't increase them as they would just increase the dead money as it's on its way down.

Edited by colkurtz
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It's all detailed in the contract breakdown that stevegrab linked -- http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/

 

He's guaranteed $21M regardless of what happens. Bonuses (signing, option, restructuring) are guaranteed but prorated. If he is cut, retires, or is traded before June 1, Detroit gets hit with ~$21M against their 2016-2017 cap -- bonuses "balloon" forward into next year and are all due at once. If any of those happen after June 1 it's $13M. That's dead money. But... salary is not guaranteed, not dead money.

 

His increased 2016 salary, combined with dead money, puts Detroit's 2016 overall cap at $24M - $4M more than this year. That's countered by the fact that the dead money is $8M less. That's why his leverage is limited. At best he could hope to split the difference and get $2M more in salary next year. He won't decrease his guaranteed bonuses, and Detroit won't increase them as they would just increase the dead money as it's on its way down.

 

Spotrac probably hasn't looked at Calvin's contract. The Detroit Free Press is more likely to have accurate information. Though DTF's articles are vague. Here is a quote from the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/06/calvin-johnson-retire-detroit-lions/78356832/

If Johnson retires, the Lions could seek repayment of as much as $9.7 million in bonus money, according to a person who has reviewed Johnson's complicated contract and works with NFL deals. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic.

 

I also doubt that "guaranteed salary" is guaranteed if a player retires. So some of that $21 in guaranteed money won't either have be paid or affect the salary cap if Calvin retires. Calvin isn't retiring.

Edited by michaelredd9
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It's all detailed in the contract breakdown that stevegrab linked -- http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/

 

He's guaranteed $21M regardless of what happens. Bonuses (signing, option, restructuring) are guaranteed but prorated. If he is cut, retires, or is traded before June 1, Detroit gets hit with ~$21M against their 2016-2017 cap -- bonuses "balloon" forward into next year and are all due at once. If any of those happen after June 1 it's $13M. That's dead money. But... salary is not guaranteed, not dead money.

 

His increased 2016 salary, combined with dead money, puts Detroit's 2016 overall cap at $24M - $4M more than this year. That's countered by the fact that the dead money is $8M less. That's why his leverage is limited. At best he could hope to split the difference and get $2M more in salary next year. He won't decrease his guaranteed bonuses, and Detroit won't increase them as they would just increase the dead money as it's on its way down.

 

You seem to be implying that Calvin is holding out for a new contract, which isn't the case at all. He doesn't have to do anything. He has a ton of $$$$ coming his way no matter what, because he currently holds a massive contract. The question is whether or not the Lions can get him to restructure and save the team some money.

 

If Detroit had even a snowball's chance in hell at a SB run, I could see him doing it so that the team could free up cap to add other pieces. If Calvin wants to get a ring before he retires, he needs to either force a trade or get cut and the best way to do that is to not even entertain restructuring discussions. Alternatively, if Calvin wants $$$$ he should collect on his current (insane) contract and not even entertain restructuring discussions.

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He probably doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. Threatening to retire is a way to gain leverage in case the Lions try to trade him. Most veteran stars will threaten retirement at some point in a trade process.

 

Rotoworld states that $9 million of his $15.95 million 2016 salary is guaranteed. Other sources seem to contradict this. If it is true, then trading Calvin will save the Lions $9 million in both actual cash and cap space over cutting him. Cutting him wouldn't be an option this year.

 

I don't think the problem is him not wanting to get out of Detroit. I would imagine he would prefer leaving so threatening to retire has nothing to do with him trying to stop the Lions from trading him.

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I don't think the problem is him not wanting to get out of Detroit. I would imagine he would prefer leaving so threatening to retire has nothing to do with him trying to stop the Lions from trading him.

 

Detroit could be threatening to trade him unless he redoes his contract. And trading Calvin might be their best option. They can take the cap hit next year which won't hurt much for a team that is rebuilding and another team can pay some of that guaranteed money.

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  • 2 weeks later...

It's all detailed in the contract breakdown that stevegrab linked -- http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/

 

He's guaranteed $21M regardless of what happens. Bonuses (signing, option, restructuring) are guaranteed but prorated. If he is cut, retires, or is traded before June 1, Detroit gets hit with ~$21M against their 2016-2017 cap -- bonuses "balloon" forward into next year and are all due at once. If any of those happen after June 1 it's $13M. That's dead money. But... salary is not guaranteed, not dead money.

 

His increased 2016 salary, combined with dead money, puts Detroit's 2016 overall cap at $24M - $4M more than this year. That's countered by the fact that the dead money is $8M less. That's why his leverage is limited. At best he could hope to split the difference and get $2M more in salary next year. He won't decrease his guaranteed bonuses, and Detroit won't increase them as they would just increase the dead money as it's on its way down.

 

Not quite. He's got $8M* more guaranteed - $4M option bonuses in 2016 and 2017*. The signing bonus and restructure bonus were already paid and you're seeing their cap hits on the chart. Detroit carries a total of another $4.9M in dead money from those pro-rates, so cutting/trading him would result in $12.9M cap hit. His 2016 salary will not guarantee until week 1 of the season, if he's on the active roster.

 

* I've never seen a note like this before: 2018: $3.5 million guaranteed as dead

 

Presumably, it would guarantee later, like the first year of that league year, since it's not in the calculated Dead Money remaining, but that's kind of conflicting with the note.

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http://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2016/01/03/detroit-lions-calvin-johnson-jeff-seidel/78244572/

 

The Detroit Free Press says if the Lions cut Calvin that they'll eat $12 million in dead money. Does this include the $9 million Calvin is guaranteed this year? Is Calvin guaranteed $9 million this year? If so, they are essentially paying Calvin $6.95 million for 2016 while he has a cap number of $24 million. Calvin is in the driver's seat this year, but he can be easily cut next year. Calvin is playing hardball like Philip Rivers did last year. Calvin just wants one more payday. Retirement is the only thing that he won't do.

 

He's guaranteed $4m this year and $4M next year in option bonuses. The $12M they are referencing (it's $12.9M actually) are those $8M plus $4.9 of pro-rates from previously paid bonuses. His 2016 salary is another $15.95M, assuming he plays, but it's not guaranteed until week 1.

Edited by flemingd
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Detroit could be threatening to trade him unless he redoes his contract. And trading Calvin might be their best option. They can take the cap hit next year which won't hurt much for a team that is rebuilding and another team can pay some of that guaranteed money.

 

But trading him is not really a threat to him. It is one of a couple desired outcomes for him. Detroit is in a very hard spot. They have a valuable asset, and they are about to see all of that value wash away.

 

They could ask him to restructure his contract. This is their best option IMO. They have to restructure it in such a way that Calvin would say yes to it though, and I'm not sure what kind of wizardry that would require at this point.

 

They could try to trade him. This isn't very likely. Not very many teams would take on an aging WR with a huge contract. But there's no doubt he is still a very talented player and a ticket draw, so it's not out of the question. But Detroit won't get much in return for him. If they get any kind of offer at all, they probably have to give it some serious consideration.

 

They could cut him. They'd still be on the hook for a big chunk of change. Fan backlash would be at an all time high. I just can't see this happening.

 

They could just continue with the status quo and keep him on roster at his current contract. The cap hit hurts them. And Calvin might decide he just doesn't want to play for Detroit anyway, and then he retires. I suspect it would be a tactical retirement where he sits for a year in order to become a Free Agent and get a new deal with a much more competitive team. I'm just guessing that that's what he really wants, but who knows, maybe he really is considering a permanent retirement. Calvin's retirement would certainly be a better OUT for Detroit than cutting him would be.

Edited by Savage Beatings
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