Lions will release WR Bryant Johnson to create cap space

The Lions will cut ties with wide receiver Bryant Johnson in a salary-cap move, the *Detroit News* reported Tuesday.

Johnson was due to make $3.2 million in base salary this year. He caught just 18 passes last season.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew informed Johnson's agent of the decision in a morning phone call.

"He didn’t really have much to say about it," Johnson’s agent, Chafie Fields, said. "We knew it was a possibility, so it wasn't a total, complete blindside. It's not a situation where he took it personal."

Johnson tweeted Tuesday night: "The Lions are headed in the right direction and I wish you all well. God Bless. … I want to thank the Lions, coaching staff, training staff, equipment staff, teammates, fans, and City of Detroit for the past 2 yrs."

The Lions also closed in on a deal to re-sign cornerback Brandon McDonald, two people familiar with the deal said.

McDonald played six games and made two starts for the Lions last season after being claimed off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals.