Should the Detroit Lions pay to appease Calvin Johnson?

The Detroit Lions want to reestablish a positive relationship with former wide receiver Calvin Johnson. But should they have to pay him in order to have it?

Some say love is what makes the world go around. Others say it’s money. In the case of the Detroit Lions and former wide receiver Calvin Johnson, it appears money can buy that love. The Lions want to once again have a loving relationship with Johnson. And Megatron wants his money back.

Following the 2015 regular season, Johnson, the second overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, up and retired after a nine-year career. Unfortunately, he had signed a massive eight-year contract extension just four years earlier worth up to a whopping $132 million which made the 26-year old the highest paid wide receiver in the league at the time.

Where the relationship between Johnson and the Lions was fractured was the fact the organization demanded he repay a portion of his $16 million signing bonus due to him retiring before the contract was fulfilled. That amount is speculated to be at least $1 million.

If Lions want to reestablish their relationship with Megatron, the former receiver has made it clear what they must do. Here’s what Johnson told the Detroit Free Press recently on what it would take for him to come back home.

"“They already know what they got to do. The only way they’re going to get me back is they put that money back in my pocket. Nah, you don’t do that. I don’t care what they say. They can put it back, then they can have me back. That’s the bottom line.”"

Johnson is the greatest wide receiver in Lions’ history. During his nine-year career, he posted 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. He’s the team’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Johnson also holds the NFL single-season record for receiving yards posting 1,964 yards in 2012. He’s currently fourth all-time in average receiving yards per game with 86.1.

So here’s the question for fans: Should the Lions pay Johnson in order to reestablish a post-career relationship with him? On one hand, the Lions and their fandom would benefit greatly from having Megatron around to help boost morale by showing his support. Similar to what we’ve seen from former running back Barry Sanders in recent years.

On the other hand, some argue Johnson didn’t fulfill his contract and thus doesn’t deserve those monies. His sudden retirement certainly hurt the team and many seem to view his exodus as a selfish act that doesn’t deserve to be financially rewarded.

Regardless, Calvin Johnson has made it clear. If the Detroit Lions want him back, they’ll need to pay him what he feels he’s owed. If the Lions’ organization wants to reestablish that relationship, it will take money to appease Megatron.