The Detroit Lions are in a favorable financial situation this offseason, indicating they don’t have an urgent need to release players to enhance their roster for 2025.
As stated by Over the Cap, the Lions are estimated to possess an impressive $43.9 million in effective cap space (the amount available to a team after signing at least 51 players and its anticipated rookie class to the roster) to utilize.
In addition to a robust cap space scenario, Detroit possesses a highly skilled roster with few gaps needing attention. Consequently, we wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Brad Holmes decides not to release any players this offseason.
In a recent piece identifying nine possible cap casualties for the Lions in 2025, Pride of Detroit’s John Whiticar surprisingly included linebacker Alex Anzalone among them. This is his rationale for incorporating Anzalone.
Whiticar noted, “The Lions possess two defensive starters that could offer appealing cap savings around $4.8 million.” “The Lions possess young talent prepared to assume 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 linebacking group, while Ennis Rakestraw possesses the sk”The case for dismissing Anzalone and Robertson stops here, though,” Whiticar noted. “During the last season we observed, having defensive depth is essential.” When the Lions lost Derrick Barnes, it resulted in a larger role for Campbell, a position he demonstrated he could manage. Since Barnes is set to become a free agent, the Lions can’t risk losing any more linebacker depth. In 2024, Anzalone continued to perform at an impressive level. If his performance declines, they could allow him to leave in the 2026 free agency. “There is no immediate need to sever connections with Anzalone this year.”
ills to grow into an effective cornerback on the perimeter or in the nickel position.
The other defensive starter Whiticar mentioned was cornerback Amik Robertson, whom we also think the Lions won’t release. Ultimately, Robertson performed well last season, and the Lions already face uncertainty at cornerback due to the impending free agency of Carlton Davis.
However, we are sidetracked…
The Lions will definitely not cut Anzalone. Let us not forget that the Lions’ defense improved significantly after his return from injury, illustrating Anzalone’s value to this team.
Releasing Anzalone would create a significant void at linebacker, a gap the Lions cannot fill with the players they currently have signed.
Although the Lions possess Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes is expected to become a free agent, and neither Malcolm Rodriguez nor Jalen Reeves-Maybin should be starting, both would represent a considerable drop in quality compared to Anzalone.
As though all of that didn’t already justify retaining Anzalone, his contract is favorable, as he will only have a cap hit of $7.2 million in 2025. In the meantime, releasing him would only save $4.8 million, resulting in a dead-cap charge of $2.4 million.
The Lions must strengthen their defense in 2025 to prepare for a Super Bowl campaign. Releasing Anzalone would epitomize counter-productivity for Detroit.