AP Source: Lions disputing Tampa Bay offer to DE Johnson (Yahoo Sports)

[ASFN Admin]

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Detroit Lions have disputed Tampa Bay's offer sheet to restricted free agent defensive end George Johnson. The person confirmed Detroit's objection on condition of anonymity Monday because the NFL is not commenting on the matter. The 27-year-old Johnson is coming off a productive season as a backup for the Lions. According to the collective bargaining agreement, a dispute over an offer sheet is to be resolved by an arbitrator, who identifies what terms would have to be matched by the player's current team.

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