Detroit exit possible for two top Lions

Associated Press

DETROIT

Matthew Stafford may drop back and loft a pass to Calvin Johnson for the last time at Ford Field against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Detroit Lions have invested a lot in Stafford and Johnson, banking on them being a winning combination. The floundering franchise hasn’t gotten much of a return.

Sure, the superstar receiver and inconsistent quarterback have combined to break records and draw cheers.

The Lions, though, haven’t had much success as a team with them. Perhaps with a new general manager and coach this offseason, Detroit’s decision makers might choose to manage the salary cap by possibly parting ways with either or both of them.

As Detroit (5-9) prepared for its home finale against the 49ers (4-10), Johnson and Stafford acknowledged they don’t know if Sunday will mark their final game in the Motor City wearing Honolulu blue and silver uniforms.

“Whether it is or whether it is not, just going to go out here and try to leave a great impression,” Johnson said.

Detroit, which drafted Johnson No. 2 overall in 2007, signed him to a $132 million deal in 2012 that could keep him under contract through 2019. In the same year the player known as Megatron signed that contract, he surpassed Jerry Rice’s single-season record with 1,964 yards receiving.

Stafford was selected No. 1 overall in 2009 and was voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year two years later after bouncing back from an injured-filled start by throwing for 5,000-plus yards. He attempted an NFL-record 727 passes in 2012, connecting with Johnson 122 times.

This year, he reached 25,000 yards passing in his career quicker than any player in league history. Stafford signed a $53 million, three-year extension two years ago that potentially keeps him under contract through 2017.

Stafford said he is going to enjoy throwing to Johnson as long as he can.