Detroit Lions Reportedly Will Release Bryant Johnson, Re-Sign Brandon McDonald

The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett is reporting that the Detroit Lions are going to release wide receiver Bryant Johnson. No players can officially be released until Thursday at 4 p.m. (ET), but the Lions have already made plans to part ways with Johnson, according to Birkett.

This is really the least surprising news that has come out since the NFL lockout ended on Monday. Because he was set to make $3.2 million in 2011, Johnson was a prime candidate to be let go. Not only that, but the Lions drafted Titus Young to become their No. 3 wide receiver. Johnson was brought in to become a weapon in the Lions' offense, but he never played all that well in the last two seasons, so this is no surprise whatsoever.

Birkett is also reporting that cornerback Brandon McDonald is close to being re-signed by the Lions. Nothing is completely done just yet, per Birkett, but McDonald already tweeted that he is officially back and he will see everybody on Thursday.

McDonald was not tendered a qualifying offer when he was considered a restricted free agent, but the Lions apparently liked what they saw at the end of last season enough to bring him back for at least another year.

UPDATE: Johnson's agent confirmed the Lions will release him.