Fansided

5 teams that can save Calvin Johnson’s career

By Charles Rahrig V

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) points to the sideline during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) points to the sideline during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) turns with the ball during the fourth quarter as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) looks on at Ford Field. Lions win 32-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) turns with the ball during the fourth quarter as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) looks on at Ford Field. Lions win 32-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

These five NFL teams could potentially save Calvin Johnson’s career.

While Calvin Johnson is reportedly mulling retirement, there exists the possibility that he could be playing somewhere other than the Detroit Lions in 2016. Johnson is owed $16 million from the Lions and he carries a $24 million cap hit.

With the Lions focus on the future and improving the team, they might feel it is best to release Johnson so that they can retain guys that could be staying around longer than Johnson, who is getting older and losing a step with each year.

While Johnson might be losing a step, he is still a very good wide receiver in the NFL. In the right situation, he might able to find a resurgence in his career and perhaps even join a Super Bowl contender, which is the goal for players his age that become available.

In Detroit, Johnson has only made the playoffs twice in his career and has been bounced in the first round each time. While he is probably a lock for the Hall of Fame, he has absolutely no postseason credentials to his name and should the Lions choose to release him, he will probably look to find a team that he can make the playoffs with.

It all depends on whether Johnson retires or the Lions release him, but should he become available in 2016, these five teams can save his career and give him a shot at the playoffs.

Next: 5. Dallas Cowboys

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