The Detroit Lions face significant decisions this offseason as they navigate a period of change. After two strong seasons— their best since the 1990s— the team has encountered disappointing finishes, and now, key members of their coaching staff are expected to depart. This transition offers an opportunity to make notable roster adjustments.
According to Spotrac, the Lions are projected to have the fifth-largest cap space in the league, with $67.9 million available. A large portion of that should be allocated to strengthening their defense. However, before diving into those investments, the Lions may look to save some money by cutting a high-priced defensive player.
In an article examining potential cap casualties, Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department identified defensive tackle D.J. Reader as the most likely player to be released. In 2024, Reader recorded only four tackles for loss, 23 total tackles, nine pressures, and three sacks. He also played just 53% of the team’s defensive snaps during his first season in Detroit. These stats may have been acceptable when his cap hit was $5.3 million, but his cost is set to increase significantly.
In the second year of his contract, Reader’s cap hit rises to $12.9 million, a steep price for a player who didn’t make a significant impact and only participated in half of the defensive snaps. Cutting him would save the Lions $7.96 million in cap space, which they could redirect to retain Levi Onwuzurike, who has been a more effective pass rusher, is younger, and should be more affordable.
With Alim McNeil expected to return from injury in 2025, the Lions may not need Reader if they can keep Onwuzurike. As Detroit aims to fine-tune its roster for a Super Bowl push, it’s hard to see how Reader fits into the plans at his current cost.
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Dan Campbell reveals his one non-negotiable quality for Lions players
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has consistently demonstrated his aggressive approach, a mindset that dates back to his initial press conference when he famously declared he was ready to “break kneecaps.”
This competitive drive is something Campbell wants ingrained throughout his roster. It’s the one quality he prioritizes above all else when evaluating players.
“You got to be competitive,” Campbell explained. “That may be a no-(expletive) statement… but it’s hard to teach somebody to be competitive. You either have it or you don’t.”
This mentality has influenced the Lions’ moves in both free agency and the draft, highlighted by their selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round of 2023. It also reflects in the play of quarterback Jared Goff, who has flourished since joining Detroit in 2021.
The fiercely competitive Lions are now set to face a determined Washington Commanders team, which stunned the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, extending their winning streak to six games. Should Detroit’s competitive edge carry them past the Commanders on Saturday, they’ll host the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, facing either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles.
