On Sunday, Pro Football Network unveiled its analysis of the leading cut contenders for the 2025 offseason, featuring some recommendations for the Detroit Lions.
The Lions currently have adequate cap space, but there are still several players on the roster that they might choose to release in order to create room for a significant signing in the future. Leading cut candidates usually carry minimal to no salary cap effects and are not owed significant amounts under the rest of their contracts.
PFN’s roster acknowledged the Lions’ salary cap flexibility at this stage as a caveat before exploring their potential cut candidates.
DJ Reader – Defensive Lineman
2025 Salary Cap Total: $12.9 million
Cap Savings: $8.0 million (before June 1) or $11.7 million (after June 1)
In 2024-25, DJ Reader participated in 15 games, surpassing the playing time of most Lions defenders. Nevertheless, Reader was able to achieve only 23 tackles and three sacks during that entire period.
He’s definitely a player the Lions might retain if they think he would thrive on a likely healthier version of this defense, yet if the circumstances require cutting some salary, it could be a straightforward decision to execute.
Additional candidates for cuts include the following:
Kalif Raymond – Receiver/Kickoff Returner
2025 Salary Cap: $6.4 million
Cap Savings: $3.3 million (before June 1), or
$4.8 million (after June 1)
Kalif Raymond has gained popularity among fans in Detroit, a common occurrence for the shorter yet fairly effective kick returner.
Nonetheless, Raymond’s total output could be easily substituted if the team decided to free up a little cap space in 2025.
Za’Darius Smith – EDGE
2025 Salary Cap: $5.7 million
Cap Savings: $5.7 million
Even though it seemed like the move every Lions supporter desired, bringing in Za’Darius Smith only assisted the team in maintaining their position rather than elevating them to the level Aiden Hutchinson had shown was possible early in the season.
Smith, 32, did well but occasionally appeared his age, as he lacks the game-changing ability typically required for his role. He and the other members of the defensive line were nearly absent in the Lions’ defeat to the Commanders, which concluded their season.
He’s a dependable veteran who might be requested to remain, yet it wouldn’t be expensive to release him.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin – LB
2025 Salary Cap: $4.6 million
Cap Reduction: $1.9 million
When in good health, the Lions possess considerable depth at linebacker. Jalen Reeves-Maybin trailed behind Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone and began to lag behind Malcolm Rodriguez before injuries began causing disruptions.
Reeves-Maybin earned Second Team All-Pro honors in 2023 but then delivered a subpar performance in 2024. Pro Football Focus placed him 131st in his position this season, which could make him a simpler decision to cut this year if roster discussions arise at any time.