Detroit Lions defensive end George Johnson (93). Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions agreed to trade restricted free agent George Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday as the two teams settled their differences on the defensive end’s offer sheet.
Two days ago, the Lions contested the terms of an offer sheet restricted Johnson signed with the Bucs last week.
The Lions, who were supposed to decide whether to match by Monday, lodged a complaint with the NFL over the three-year, $9 million contract, disputing the structure of the offer sheet.
The NFL assigned an independent arbitrator to look into the matter, but the Lions dropped their grievance after reaching an agreement with the Bucs, according to multiple reports. As part of the deal, the two teams will exchange unspecified late-round draft picks.
The 27-year-old Johnson, who split his first four seasons between the Bucs and the Minnesota Vikings, had a breakout season in 2014, recording six sacks for the Lions. He began his career in Tampa Bay until he was released in 2012.
