The Detroit Lions are in a strong salary cap position, which is highlighted by the various lists of potential cut candidates.
A key advantage the Lions have as they build towards success is their ability to secure cost-controlled talent through smart drafting. However, as some players approach their second contracts, difficult decisions loom as they manage the salary cap.
Currently, the Lions rank eighth in the NFL for effective 2025 cap space, with $43.9 million available, according to Over The Cap. This gives them flexibility, as there’s little pressure to make drastic cuts or restructure contracts. Additionally, the team isn’t burdened by much dead money, thanks to the decision to cut cornerback Cameron Sutton after an off-field issue last March.
Heading into the offseason, potential cut candidates for teams are widely discussed. For the Lions, as John Whiticar of Pride of Detroit suggested, listing cut candidates by likelihood illustrates just how well-positioned they are.
The list of cut candidates shows the strong position the Lions are in.
The Lions’ strong cap space situation is evident when considering potential cuts. Looking at players who could clear significant cap space this year, only a few stand out.
When the Lions signed defensive tackle DJ Reader last offseason, he was recovering from a torn quad. The second year of his two-year contract provided an exit strategy, which now seems relevant. A pre-June 1 cut of Reader would save the Lions nearly $8 million in cap space, with $4.972 million in dead money. Alternatively, a post-June 1 cut would save $11.69 million in cap space. However, cutting Reader this offseason doesn’t appear likely.
Regarding Za’Darius Smith, the structure of his contract, including bonuses due this year, increases his cash commitment. The Lions could save $5.7 million in cap space by cutting him, with no dead money, making it a possible move. However, a contract restructure seems more probable if the Lions want to bring him back on a more manageable deal.
The value of wide receiver Kalif Raymond and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin also plays a significant role in the Lions’ cap decisions.
Raymond, one of the NFL’s top punt returners who led the league in punt return yards this year, despite missing five games with a foot injury, has seen his role in the Lions’ offense shrink. His cap hit for 2025 is nearing $6.4 million, but the savings from cutting him before June 1 are nearly equal to the dead money he’d leave behind, making his departure unlikely.
Reeves-Maybin, a valuable special teams player, missed significant time this season due to a neck injury and failed to register any special teams tackles. His $4.6 million cap hit is considerable for a 30-year-old backup linebacker who is expected to see a reduced role. The cap savings from cutting him are minimal ($2.75 million in dead money), making it an unlikely move.
When a backup linebacker is the most obvious candidate for a cut, it’s a sign that the Lions are in a strong position. Unless the Lions face challenges in retaining Smith or decide to make bold cuts like Reader or Raymond, they are in an enviable salary cap situation.
