If Calvin Johnson retires this season it is likely he will hold all of the receiving records for the Lions. So what will life be like without the best wide receiver in Lions history on the field?
The Lions currently have Golden Tate, Lance Moore, TJ Jones, and Corey Fuller making up their core of wide receivers if Johnson departs. Not only will the Lions be in great financial shape to make a move once Johnson retires and currently have $21 million in cap space.
The Lions could choose a number of replacements in free agency as there will be a pretty deep class of number 2 wide receivers, players such as Mohammad Sanu, Jermaine Kearse, Rishard Matthews, and Kamar Aiken.
Then you have the higher level talents such as Marvin Jones, Alshon Jeffery, or even James Jones who could become the primary target for this offense if the Lions pick them up in free agency.
The Lions will have the 16th overall pick in the draft which means they will be in a great position to draft a solid wide receiver to take Johnson's place as the number 1 wide receiver in the offense. NFL prospect Laquon Treadwell should be the primary selection for the Lions if Johnson does decide to leave. Other players such as Corey Coleman, Michael Thomas, and Josh Doctson could also be fit into the Lions draft plans if Treadwell is gone.
