With Matthew Stafford set to miss an extended period of time nursing a back injury, the Detroit Lions expressed interest in signing quarterback Josh Johnson.
However, the XFL blocked Detroit from signing Johnson, who is under contract with the league's Los Angeles Wildcats, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The 33-year-old was allocated to the Wildcats in the XFL's supplemental draft Nov. 22.
A fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008, Johnson has spent time with 13 NFL franchises since entering the league.
Johnson started three games for the Washington Redskins last season as the team faced a plethora of injuries at quarterback.