Two of the greatest receivers in NFL history want the same ending for Matthew Stafford. They just see him taking different paths to get there.
Hall of Famer Michael Irvin wants the Lions to put a winner around Stafford once and for all. Hall of Famer to-be Calvin Johnson wants Stafford to find a winner somewhere else.
In an appearance on the latest episode of the Huddle and Flow Podcast, Johnson said he's hopeful the Lions' new regime will send Stafford to a 'good squad' where he'll have a chance to do bigger things.
"I look forward to him, honestly, usually a new coach wants to start fresh and draft a new quarterback. So if he gets a shot, hey, go back to Texas and get some work in over there, or just find somewhere where he can get a good squad here at the end and just have a chance," Johnson said.
It just so happens both teams in Texas could be looking for a new QB this offseason. The Texans and Deshaun Watson seem headed for a divorce. And Stafford's hometown Cowboys -- likely to whom Johnson was referring -- face another uncertain contract negotiation with Dak Prescott.
The Lions, meanwhile, are about to introduce a new general manager in Brad Holmes and a new head coach in Dan Campbell. The biggest question facing both of them is what to do with Stafford, who turns 33 next month, as the organization potentially begins another long-term rebuild.
Megatron, who caught 56 touchdowns from No. 9 over their seven seasons together, still laments the fact Detroit didn't win big when he and Stafford were in their prime.
"It’s just unfortunate," he said. "There was some time there where I felt like, honestly, we had a phenomenal team. I just wish that we would have found some ways to make that squad go, to make it work or build around it."
Johnson, who's up for Hall of Fame induction this year, also touched on his broken relationship with the Lions. He said he'd like to be involved with the organization in the future, perhaps as a mentor for the wide receivers, but only if the Lions give pay back the portion of his signing bonus they forced him to repay after his early retirement.
"It’s simple," Johnson said. "It’s hard for me to do anything for anyone that takes anything from me. I feel like after the things I've done for the organization, that shouldn’t have even been a thought, honestly.
"I would have happily been there to fulfill my duty to participate and give back to the receivers or just the organization as a whole. And if that happens, of course, I'll be back. I love football still. I give back to football in any way I can, whether it’s through my camps or going to see different teams in the NFL, college, what-have-you. But to be able to do it here at home, the fans love me, I love the fans here. But I can’t, I will not step foot into the building after I've done so much in there. Because that stung. It straight up stung. Emotionally, but business-wise? No, it just doesn’t work like that.”