As the disappointment from their early playoff elimination diminishes, the Detroit Lions approach a potentially smooth offseason.
The front office has put in considerable effort to equilibrium salaries and is expected to have a cap space of $67.9 million, according to Spotrac. Following a season plagued by injuries, the Lions will welcome back standout edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson along with several other defenders.
However, the Lions may still have to make roster adjustments if they seek extra room to sign free agents, with one experienced defensive lineman identified as a leading candidate for release.
Lions Might Create Additional Cap Space
Bleacher Report pinpointed the leading potential salary cap casualties for every one of the 32 NFL teams, selecting defensive lineman D.J. Reader as the player most likely to depart from the Lions.
“The Lions have a solid position with 2025 cap space, so they may choose not to release anyone for cap reasons,” the report stated. “If they aim to pursue some free agents or create cap space to re-sign their own athletes, D.J. Reader might be a possibility.” They could generate $8 million in cap space if they decide to cut the veteran nose tackle.
The report indicated that if the Lions aim to retain free agent defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike alongside emerging talent Alim McNeill for the long term, they might need to consider cap adjustments such as releasing Reader.
Reader inked a two-year, $27.25 million deal with the Lions last offseason. He participated in 15 matches, all as a starter, and recorded a total of 23 tackles along with 3.0 sacks.
Lions Encounter Additional Choices
The Lions face significant internal choices this upcoming offseason, as 22 players will be entering unrestricted free agency. The roster features cornerback Carlton Davis III, who joined the team through a trade last offseason and delivered an impressive season.
Team’s official website reporter Tim Twentyman indicated that Davis is anticipated to command a high price this offseason.
“Davis was performing at a Pro Bowl caliber this season prior to a broken jaw sustained in Week 15 against Buffalo that concluded his season,” Twentyman stated. “He will be among the most sought-after free-agent cornerbacks available this offseason, so the Lions face a significant choice on whether to tag him, re-sign him, or allow him to depart and pursue a younger option at the position.”
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is set to enter unrestricted free agency following a season in which he showcased his adaptability in the secondary. Twentyman mentioned that he might join the team again in 2025 too.
“Melifonwu suffered injuries to his ankle and fingers, which kept him from getting back on the field until late December,” wrote Twentyman. He mentioned after the season that he would like to extend his contract with Detroit after being selected here as part of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s inaugural draft class in 2021. He is a multidimensional defensive back when in good health.
The Lions constructed a balanced roster this season to enhance their journey to the NFC Championship Game from last year, achieving a league-high 15 victories but losing in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Washington Commanders.