THE BRISBANE Lions have held preliminary talks with Steve Johnson about the three-time premiership Cat taking up a playing role that would lead into a coaching position, says director of football Leigh Matthews.

Johnson, 32, is in limbo and undecided about what happens next in his footballing career.

He was delisted by the Cats this season after 253 games, and earlier this week said he was open to moving outside Victoria if the right opportunity presented itself.

He has spoken to the Lions about potentially moving north but remains undecided on whether he will play on.

Matthews said talks hadn't reached the official offer stage but confirmed a conversation about a possible dual role had already happened.

"The Brisbane Lions certainly thought it's a fairly young team so bringing in an experienced captain/coach type player for a year that would then go into a coaching role … is that something valid?" Matthews told 3AW on Thursday.

"I know the club has spoken to Stevie about that concept but I don't think there's even been offers made or anything like that, it's really sounding out an option that would be worthy of discussion.

"Steve, I would have thought, would have to decide what he wants to do and what his options are."