Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson expects future decision soon

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson released a joint statement with the team, stating he is evaluating all of his options for the future and expects a decision "in the not-too-distant future."

Johnson, nicknamed "Megatron," has dealt with knee, ankle and finger issues in recent seasons. An ankle injury this season required rest throughout the course of the week to get him ready for gameday. He was listed as questionable on seven of the team's final eight injury reports.

"Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," the 30-year-old Johnson said in the statement just days after completing his ninth NFL season. "I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future."

Johnson has four years left on the seven-year contract he signed with the Lions in 2012. His base salary for next season is $15.95 million, with a cap hit of over $24 million for the Lions.

"We obviously have profound respect for Calvin," the Lions said in a statement. "And certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future."

Johnson was taken by the Lions with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He holds the single-season record for receiving yards with 1,964 set in 2012 and is No. 27 all time in receiving yards with 11,619.

Despite the injuries, Johnson still caught 88 passes for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games this season for the 7-9 Lions.

Johnson, who turns 31 next September, has had six straight 1,000-yard seasons and was selected to the upcoming Pro Bowl. He is also No. 22 all time in receiving touchdowns with 83.

Johnson said he didn't know about his future following the Lions' 24-20 season-finale win over the Chicago Bears last Sunday.

"You never know, man," Johnson said after game. "If it is, though, you want to go out like that, you know, (with) wins. Unfortunately we weren't able to make the playoffs or anything like that, but have a great team effort, not just this game but this whole second half of the season, it was a good one, good deal."