The Bucs are supposed to know by 5 p.m. whether the Detroit Lions have matched Tampa Bay’s restricted-free-agent offer sheet to defensive end George Johnson.

Something, however, is holding up a decision — and it could take a while.

Detroit Free-Press Lions beat writer Dave Birkett is Twittering that the Lions are appealing to a higher authority.

So sounds like George Johnson’s offer sheet is being contested. No immediate end to this saga in sight — Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 13, 2015

Damn, it sure sounds like the Lions want Johnson back. Joe’s not saying Johnson, six sacks in a rotational role last year, is a superstar. But he might be better than any right-edge rusher the Bucs have currently.

It smells like the Lions don’t like how the Bucs might have made this a salary-cap-heavy deal up front — and the Lions don’t have much cap room to play with.

Stay tuned.