The Detroit Lions may have had their most successful season in franchise history in 2024. Although they didn’t make it back to the NFC Championship as they did the year before, their regular season performance of 15-2 was their best to date, surpassing their previous best by three games. Additionally, they secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs for the first time ever. Unfortunately, their playoff run ended in the first round against the Commanders, as a series of defensive injuries took a toll, ultimately catching up with them in the most crucial game of the season.
Now, the Lions must shift focus to the offseason and address the issues that arose in 2024. Fortunately, they have a good amount of resources at their disposal.
With around $45 million in cap space, the Lions have room to make additions in free agency. However, they will need to manage cap space carefully, as several key players (Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph) will need extensions soon.
Detroit also holds seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including the 28th overall pick.
While this gives the Lions a solid foundation, more cap space would allow them to extend players and acquire young talent. As such, they may need to make difficult decisions about some aging players.
Here, we look at three Lions players who could become potential cut candidates during the 2025 offseason.
Lions Can Easily Find a Suitable Replacement for Jalen Reeves-Maybin
This move would be tough, as both Dan Campbell and the Lions organization hold Jalen Reeves-Maybin in high regard.
Reeves-Maybin, a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, survived the entirety of the Bob Quinn era and played one season under Campbell. He left briefly for Houston in free agency, but returned to Detroit the following offseason.
Reeves-Maybin is known for his tenacious special teams play, although linebacker isn’t his strongest position. Now 30 years old, he’s entering his ninth NFL season.
As a primarily special teams player, Reeves-Maybin is replaceable, especially considering his advancing age. Detroit might look to free up cap space by parting ways with him.
If the Lions cut Reeves-Maybin before June 1st, they would save $1.9 million in cap space. While they’d take on some dead money, none of it would extend into the 2026 season.
Replacing Reeves-Maybin with a more affordable player, possibly from the draft or as a training camp walk-on, would be easy for Detroit.
Ultimately, the Lions need the cap space more than they need Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Is It Finally the End of the Road for Graham Glasgow in Detroit?
Graham Glasgow is another player who began his career in Detroit, left, and later returned under coach Campbell.
The Lions signed Glasgow to a three-year, $20 million contract in free agency last spring. He started at left guard, but had a lackluster season.
At 33 years old in 2025, Glasgow’s best years are likely behind him, and he could be replaced—especially after rookie Christian Mahogany showed promise as a potential starter late in the season.
While there is a case to be made for keeping Glasgow as a versatile backup, if the Lions need an additional $2 million in cap space, they could decide to move on from him.
Za’Darius Smith’s Contract Makes Him the Most Likely Player to Be Cut
Za’Darius Smith’s contract makes him the most probable candidate to be cut, given the team’s need for cap flexibility.