Larry Fitzgerald set the standard for what a big-time wide receiver should be paid when he received an eight-year, $120 million extension (with $50 million guaranteed) last August from the Arizona Cardinals. With how he played last season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson figures to get even more money when he gets an extension.
The Lions and Johnson have had some contract discussions since he only has one year left on his deal. Chances are Johnson's new contract will eclipse Fitzgerald's extension, and that is fine by Fitzgerald, who thinks Johnson deserves it.
"He should," Fitzgerald said during an appearance on Super Bowl radio row. "He’s at the top of the game right now. He’s an extremely, extremely impressive talent."
"He has no weaknesses, so I think that’s what makes Calvin so impressive," Fitzgerald said. "He’s a really down-to-earth guy."
The Lions are going to have to open up their checkbook if they want to keep Johnson in Detroit. There's just no way around it with him being the top receiver in the league right now. While that could make the salary cap situation down the road tighter, it's certainly a good problem to have.