Johnson, 27, had a breakout season in 2014, recording six sacks for the Lions. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions reportedly are contesting the terms of an offer sheet restricted free agent defensive end George Johnson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
The Lions, who were supposed to decide whether to match by Monday, have lodged a complaint over the three-year, $9 million contract, Lions.com reported Monday.
The NFL will appoint an arbitrator to identify the contract terms that the Lions would be required to match, the website reported. A ruling is expected within 10 days, and the Lions would have two days to decide whether to match.
Because the former undrafted player was tendered at the lowest level, the Lions would receive no draft-pick compensation if they chose not to match.
Johnson had six sacks last season, and the Lions apparently are loath to lose him after seeing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley depart in free agency.
