The Detroit Lions have a significant list of pending free agents, but before any new contracts are signed, it’s possible that a player or two could be released to save salary cap space. Cap casualties are an unfortunate but common part of every offseason. While the salary cap increases every year, so do the contracts that teams sign, which can result in older deals being cut to free up space for more efficient spending.
With over $50 million in cap space heading into 2025, the Lions are not necessarily required to make mass cuts. However, they can still look to part ways with underperforming contracts to maximize their flexibility. Before diving into potential releases, let’s highlight some of the key contracts that are locked in for next season. Jared Goff’s contract is the largest on the roster, with a 2025 cap hit of over $32 million. Despite a less-than-ideal playoff performance against the Washington Commanders, the Lions are committed to Goff, and there is no consideration of moving on from him. The same goes for key players like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow, who are crucial members of the offensive line. Barring a surprise retirement, they’ll remain in Detroit for 2025. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson are also untouchable, with Hutchinson likely earning a major extension that could lower his 2025 cap hit. The other big name on the roster is DJ Reader, who would save nearly $8 million if released, but given his production and value to the defense, cutting him would be a surprising move.
Now, focusing on other players with notable cap hits, here are some who could be on the chopping block based on factors like age, cap hit, and performance. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll focus on pre-June 1 cuts, which would result in the entirety of their dead cap hitting the 2025 cap. Post-June 1 cuts would spread the dead cap over 2025 and 2026.
Za’Darius Smith, DL
2025 Cap Hit: $5,727,500
Pre-June 1 Cut: $0 dead cap, $5,727,500 savings in 2025*
Cut Probability: High
Smith was acquired midseason for draft picks and provided a much-needed boost to the pass rush, but his impact wasn’t enough to push the Lions past the playoff hurdle. The Lions are now responsible for the contract extension signed by the Cleveland Browns last March. Due to the structure of his deal, the Lions can cut Smith before March 15 without incurring any dead cap. However, if he remains on the roster after that date, his $2 million signing bonus kicks in, which would result in dead cap if released. Smith’s four-year prorated option bonuses also come due before the 2025 season, and if he’s on the roster in September, the Lions would owe him $6.9 million. As a result, it seems the best option for the Lions would be to release Smith before March 15 to avoid this additional cost, or to restructure his contract or cut and then re-sign him.
Graham Glasgow, OL
2025 Cap Hit: $7,437,500
Pre-June 1 Cut: $5,312,500 dead cap, $2,125,000 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Medium
The Lions had one of the NFL’s best offensive lines in 2024, but Glasgow, who was re-signed last year to a three-year deal, saw his play decline. Glasgow, 33 years old, struggled as the season wore on, and rookie Christian Mahogany showcased some promise. Despite the decline, Glasgow is still a versatile backup who can play multiple positions along the line. The downside is that cutting Glasgow would leave a sizable dead cap hit, so it’s more likely the Lions keep him around for depth, especially given the uncertainty around Kevin Zeitler’s free agency status. A restructure of his contract could also be a possibility to reduce his cap hit while keeping him in the fold.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB
Reeves-Maybin was a standout special teams player in 2023 but struggled in 2024, missing time with a neck injury and finishing with no special teams tackles. His limited defensive snaps didn’t impress either, and with the Lions’ depth at linebacker, including Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Malcolm Rodriguez, his role as a special teams ace has been overshadowed. Reeves-Maybin is entering his 30s and while still capable, may not be worth the investment given his age and declining impact. The Lions could explore cheaper alternatives like Trevor Nowaske or Ben Niemann for depth, especially if Derrick Barnes re-signs.