The Detroit Lions have a significant number of free agents awaiting decisions, but prior to any of those individuals signing new contracts in Detroit or elsewhere, it’s possible we may see one or two players have their current contracts terminated. Cap casualties are an unfortunate but significant aspect of any offseason. The salary cap increases each year, but the contracts offered do as well. Consequently, certain outdated contracts find themselves terminated to conserve millions of dollars that could be more effectively utilized elsewhere.
The Lions possess a solid roster and over $50 million in cap space heading into 2025, so a flurry of releases isn’t essential for Brad Holmes and his team. With that in mind, a penny saved is a penny gained, and the Lions have the chance to eliminate some unproductive contracts.
Before delving into specifics about who might be left out this offseason, we should identify some of the significant contracts that are staying put. Quarterback Jared Goff commands the top salary on the whole team, with a 2025 cap hit exceeding $32 million. Although Goff’s playoff performance against the Washington Commanders was lackluster, the Lions have no intention of parting ways with him—this is not something they are considering. The same holds true for the other cap hits exceeding $10 million. Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow are key components of the offensive line, so unless there’s an unexpected retirement, they will be present for 2025.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson are obvious choices, with Hutchinson likely to secure a substantial contract soon—which, if structured correctly, could potentially reduce his cap hit in 2025. The last name on the eight-figure salary list is DJ Reader, a removal that would save almost $8 million; however, considering his performance, importance to the front seven, and the inadequate depth at defensive tackle, it would be a surprising decision.
Setting those names aside, below are players whose salary cap impacts (according to Over The Cap) are notable because of their age, cap hit, performance, or a mix of these factors. To keep it simple, I am only considering pre-June 1 cuts, which means that the full dead cap for a cut player will be in 2025—whereas post-June 1 cuts will distribute their dead cap between 2025 and 2026.
Za’Darius Smith, defensive lineman
2025 Salary Impact: $5,727,500
Pre-June 1 Reduction: $0 dead cap, $5,727,500 saved in 2025*
Likelihood of a cut: Elevated
Obtained during the season for two draft selections, Smith delivered crucial pass rush support for a post-Hutchinson defensive line, but unfortunately, it wasn’t sufficient to propel them into the playoffs. The Lions are currently covering the expenses of the Cleveland Browns’ extension from last March. Due to his acquisition through trade, processing his contract is somewhat complex.
The Lions can avoid a dead cap hit of $0 only if he is released prior to March 15 (the third day of the new league year). If he remains on the roster beyond March 15, his $2 million signing bonus from the Browns contract activates. Releasing him after this date would turn that bonus into dead cap. In the meantime, Smith has four years of prorated option bonuses (three of which are void years) totaling $1.75 million annually—these bonuses are payable one week prior to the start of the 2025 regular season. If Smith remains on the roster in September under his current contract, the Lions would be liable for the full $6.9 million option bonus.
Officially, Smith has one year left on his contract and will be a free agent in 2026. Nevertheless, due to the way the Browns arranged his contract, he will face a cap hit exceeding $5 million in 2026, no matter if he re-signs with Detroit or chooses another team—void years distribute the signing bonus across several years, as seen in Carlton Davis’ deal.
The Lions have no motivation to retain Smith under his existing contract—they wish to avoid being liable for his prorated option bonuses. If they plan to terminate his contract prior to September, they should consider doing it before March 15 to bypass his $2 million signing bonus too. The only two scenarios in which I envision Smith remaining for next season are through a contract restructure or by cutting him and then re-signing.
Graham Glasgow, offensive lineman
2025 Salary Cap Impact: $7,437,500
Pre-June 1 Cut: $5,312,500 in dead cap, $2,125,000 saved in 2025
Cut likelihood: Moderate
As anticipated, the Lions featured an excellent offensive line throughout the 2024 season. Newly acquired free agent Kevin Zeitler excelled at right guard, along with Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell. The outlier was Glasgow, whose performance declined as the season advanced. Alongside the impressive (though somewhat restricted) performance of rookie Christian Mahogany, Glasgow was arguably the sixth-best offensive lineman on the squad.
Last March, the Lions inked Glasgow to a three-year, $20 million contract to celebrate a remarkable comeback to Detroit in 2023, yet the initial year of that agreement was lackluster. As he approaches his age-33 season, it seems more probable that Glasgow is experiencing the decline of his career. Releasing Glasgow would result in a notable $5.3 million dead cap penalty, yet it would free up about $2 million from a player whose performance is waning.
The case for retaining Glasgow is two-pronged. To begin with, a subpar starter still provides above-average depth, and given Glasgow’s capability to play any guard position and center, he would make an excellent backup. Moreover, Zeitler is set to become a free agent, meaning that releasing Glasgow could result in altering both starting guard positions. Mahogany appears ready for a starting position next season, but that would still create another vacancy if Zeitler departs. I wouldn’t hurry to replace Glasgow without having a strategy—maintain Glasgow and allow him to compete for a starting position with Mahogany, a free agent, and/or a rookie.
I believe the Lions will retain Glasgow, possibly adjusting his contract in some manner, but I don’t think he is guaranteed to start next season.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Linebacker
2025 Salary Cap Impact: $4,645,000
Cut before June 1: $2,750,000 dead cap, $1,895,000 savings for 2025.
Cut chance: Moderate
Following his recognition as a special teams All-Pro in 2023, Reeves-Maybin had a challenging year in 2024. He was sidelined for several weeks due to a neck injury and ended the season without any special teams tackles, which is usually his area of expertise. The Lions punted just 46 times last season, and this, along with the new kickoff rules, probably led to a significant drop in their statistics. His restricted playing time on defense wasn’t particularly remarkable, and he was evidently a third choice behind Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, and free agent Derrick Barnes.
Reeves-Maybin is an important asset to the special teams unit, but the statistics may be unfavorable for him. In a few weeks, he will turn 30, and although he has some solid seasons left, one must consider the worth of a veteran special team player. The Lions have Rodriguez signed to a contract, representing an improvement on defense, whereas Barnes is a solid option to return in Detroit. In the meantime, available free agents Trevor Nowaske, Anthony Pittman, and Ben Niemann might serve as more affordable depth options.
Kalif Raymond, wide receiver
2025 Salary Cap Impact: $6,376,471
Pre-June 1 Cut: $3,100,000 dead cap, $3,276,471 savings for 2025
Probability of reduction: Low
Nearly unimaginable a year ago, Raymond’s contract and output place him in a difficult position for the Lions. The two-time All-Pro has excelled not only as a returner during his time with the Lions but also as an offensive contributor. However, his offensive performance in Detroit during the 2024 season was unquestionably the most disappointing. Restricted to 12 games because of a foot injury, Raymond accumulated only 215 receiving yards throughout the season. Even before his injury, he was largely overlooked in the Lions offense, with Tim Patrick taking on a bigger receiving role instead.
Raymond achieved the highest punt return yards of his career (413 yards, ranking first in the league) and also scored a punt return touchdown. The issue is not his ability to return, but rather if the Lions are willing to spend more than $6 million on a return specialist whose offensive influence is diminishing.
It’s possible the Lions will attempt to renegotiate his contract, but I believe a complete release is improbable. The explanation? They possess hardly any options on the roster. While Raymond was unavailable, the substitute returners featured Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tom Kennedy, and Maurice Alexander. St. Brown is an important starter and should not be placed in special teams situations. Kennedy has recorded a single career punt return. Alexander is a skilled return specialist, yet he possesses virtually no offensive NFL experience, which restricts his worth. It is worth mentioning that he wasn’t signed to a futures contract last week. With Patrick set to be a free agent, the Lions also lack depth in their receiving corps. I believe Raymond remains unless a daring release occurs.
Alex Anzalone, linebacker
2025 Salary Cap Impact: $7,258,824
Pre-June 1 Termination: $2,400,000 in dead cap, $4,858,824 savings for 2025
Probability of cuts: Extremely low
Amik Robertson, cornerback
2025 Salary Impact: $6,400,000
Pre-June 1 Cut: $1,650,000 in dead cap, $4,750,000 savings for 2025
Probability of cutting: Extremely low
The Lions possess two defensive starters that could offer fascinating potential cap savings around $4.8 million. The Lions possess several young athletes prepared to assume their starting positions, allowing them to save money while creating a vacancy at the top of the depth chart. Jack Campbell is seen as the future leader of the linebackers, whereas Ennis Rakestraw possesses the ability to grow into a proficient cornerback either on the outside or in the nickel position.
The case for dismissing Anzalone and Robertson stops at that point, though. As we observed last season, having defensive depth is essential. When the Lions lost Derrick Barnes, it resulted in a larger role for Campbell, a role that he demonstrated he could manage effectively. With Barnes becoming a pending free agent, the Lions cannot risk losing more depth at linebacker. Anzalone was performing at an elite level in 2024 as well. If his performance declines, they can allow him to leave in the 2026 free agency. There is no immediate need to sever connections with Anzalone this year.
At cornerback, Carlton Davis is also entering free agency this year. Are the Lions genuinely trying to save some millions by swapping a reliable cornerback like Robertson for an inexperienced player like Rakestraw? Robertson had an impressive season for Detroit without much fanfare, and his current contract offers excellent value for a player of his quality with his ability to play inside and outside. Additionally, he will only be 27 years old next season, quite a ways from being an experienced veteran.
Football encompasses more than just financial savings, illustrating why focusing solely on cap savings is unwise. The Lions should enhance their current talent pool rather than release valuable players for unwarranted cap savings.
Josh Paschal, Defensive Lineman
2025 Salary Cap Charge: $2,461,346
Before June 1 Cut: $701,483 in dead cap, $1,759,863 in savings for 2025.
Chance of being cut: Extremely low
Due to a series of injuries, Paschal became one of the more significant players in the Lions’ front seven. He concluded the season with the highest number of snaps among all edge defenders, second only to Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill regarding defensive line snaps.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t an especially fruitful period for the starting lineup. Paschal ended with only two sacks, but each occurred at crucial times against the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans. He was better than average throughout the year, and the Lions might look to improve from him in the offseason.
With that in mind, I believe there is a minimal possibility that the Lions part ways with Paschal. He has the potential to be an effective rotational end with versatility both inside and outside, similar to upcoming free agent John Cominsky. The Lions were entirely depleted along the defensive line this season, underscoring the significance of strong depth. Paschal probably won’t become a player of Hutchinson’s level, yet a reliable backup who can perform well still holds value. I don’t think the Lions can find a player who is superior, more affordable, and younger than Paschal.
Hendon Hooker, quarterback
2025 Salary Impact: $1,559,735
Cut Before June 1: $579,646 in dead cap, $980,089 savings for 2025.
Probability of cuts: Extremely low
Brodric Martin, defensive tackle
2025 Salary Impact: $1,446,568
Cut before June 1: $428,756 dead cap, $1,017,812 savings for 2025.
Cut likelihood: Extremely minimal
I will combine these two. To begin with, they entered the league as third-round selections for the Lions in 2023, which accounts for their comparable contracts. These are also two players who have yet to make a significant impact in the NFL: Hooker has solely served as a backup throughout his career so far, even being pushed to third-string for the Lions’ playoff matchup against the Commanders due to a recently-retired Teddy Bridgewater. Martin, on the other hand, was often inactive, frequently being surpassed on the depth chart by athletes such as Myles Adams or Chris Smith.
Theoretically, saving a million and a bit for a low-impact player appears sensible, but this is excessive frugality that the Lions are probably not going to consider. These athletes were selected for their potential, and they are in the third year of their careers. To abandon their unused potential to save a few million collectively would contradict Holmes’ history. Levi Onwuzurike and Derrick Barnes are two examples of players who needed a few seasons to develop into competent defenders. Hooker or Martin might realistically be released in 2025 based on other offseason decisions, but such action would occur during the final roster cuts, rather than as a preemptive cap-saving strategy in the offseason. If the Lions are this eager for cap space, something must be seriously amiss—and even in that case, modifying another contract would be more logical than making either of these cuts.