Johnson released a statement Wednesday in which he said, "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."

EDGE Analysis

Once rumors began to swirl, flashes to Barry Sanders in 1999 immediately entered the mind, though the preeminent Lions legend made his decision on the eve of training camp. If Johnson makes the call to step away in the near future, the Lions' new management structure will have the entire offseason to plan for the future, with free agency and the draft available to begin that process. While the passing attack as a whole would suffer, Golden Tate would become the unquestioned No. 1 option for Matthew Stafford in the absence of Johnson.