Calvin Johnson rebounds after back-to-back one-catch outings
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was watching his impact wane before an explosive performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. He caught one pass for 16 yards against the St. Louis Rams in Week 14, followed by another one-catch outing against the New Orleans Saints a week later.
Then, in Week 16, Megatron burned the 49ers for 77 yards on six receptions, including a one-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
Johnson enters the final week of the season with 78 receptions for 1,077 yards and eight touchdowns. The 30-year-old receiver can certainly still play ball, but the Lions will likely have to make a tough decision this offseason.
While Johnson's statistical output has steadily declined since his record-setting 2012 season, his salary is only set to rise over the next four years. Detroit must soon hire a new general manager, and that person will have to decide whether or not the All-Pro pass-catcher is worth paying nearly $16 million in 2016.
The Lions' future GM may want to restructure Johnson's contract in order to free up some salary cap room to help with a rebuilding project. If he does not agree to a pay cut, Megatron could be playing for a new team next year.
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