Lions receiver Johnson gets big deal

Calvin Johnson got the biggest contract in NFL history from the Detroit Lions on Wednesday, and he wasn’t even a free agent.

The All-Pro wide receiver’s eight-year deal through the 2019 season is worth $132 million, with $60 million guaranteed, surpassing the $120 million with $50 million guaranteed being paid to Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald.

“They were happy to get this thing done with, and I was happy as well,” Johnson said.

Johnson lived up to his “Megatron” nickname with his spectacular receptions in 2011, catching 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns in leading the Lions back to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Another All-Pro, guard Carl Nicks, left New Orleans for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a five-year contract. Former 1,000-yard rusher Peyton Hillis is getting a fresh start in Kansas City after a drama- and injury-filled second season in Cleveland after rushing for 1,177 yards in 2010.

Meanwhile, the wait for prized free-agent defensive end Mario Williams to decide whether to sign with the Buffalo Bills will last yet another day. The former Houston Texans star pass-rusher will sleep on making up his mind by spending a second night in Buffalo.

Tampa has been among the busiest teams in free agency, hardly surprising after the Bucs slumped from 10-6 to 4-12 last year. Nicks joined cornerback Eric Wright, who also signed Wednesday. Wright got a five-year deal, too.

On Tuesday, the Buccaneers added star receiver Vincent Jackson for five years and $55.55 million.

Jacksonville finally got going in free agency, agreeing to terms with receiver Laurent Robinson, defensive tackle C.J. Mosley and backup quarterback Chad Henne. The Jaguars also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, filling the team’s most pressing needs on the second day of free agency.

Indianapolis made receiver Reggie Wayne’s return official, and also signed defense end Cory Redding to a contract.