The Detroit Lions are heading into an important offseason filled with tough financial choices after missing the playoffs following a disappointing year. As the front office looks for ways to reset and reload, one NFL analyst believes the team has a clear opportunity to unlock significant salary-cap flexibility by revisiting quarterback Jared Goff’s contract.

According to USA Today’s Josh Helmer, Goff’s current deal gives Detroit a chance to open up a massive amount of cap room through a contract restructure. Goff is scheduled to carry a cap hit approaching $70 million next season, but that number doesn’t have to stay that high.

Potential Restructure Could Save Detroit Over $40 Million

Helmer explained that the Lions could drastically reduce Goff’s cap charge by converting most of his base salary into signing bonuses spread over multiple seasons. By doing so, Detroit could lower his 2026 cap figure to roughly $29.3 million, resulting in cap savings of more than $40 million.

Under this approach, Goff would receive the veteran minimum base salary — about $1.3 million — while the remaining money would be paid out as bonuses prorated across the next four years. This maneuver would provide Detroit with substantial financial breathing room without cutting ties with its starting quarterback.

Helmer also noted that Goff isn’t the only player whose contract could be adjusted to free up space. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown presents another opportunity for relief.

Additional Savings Possible With Amon-Ra St. Brown

If the Lions convert St. Brown’s $27.5 million base salary into bonus money spread across five seasons, the team could generate more than $21 million in additional cap space. That move would drop his 2026 cap hit to just under $11.6 million, giving Detroit even more flexibility to make roster improvements.

Combined, restructures for Goff and St. Brown could create well over $60 million in available cap space — funds that could be used to retain key players or aggressively pursue upgrades elsewhere.

Defensive Reinforcements Could Be the Priority

With Detroit falling short of the postseason and losing its grip on the NFC North after two straight division titles, some analysts believe the team should invest heavily in its defense. SI.com’s Christian Booher suggested the Lions may look to add a premier pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.

While free agent Trey Hendrickson headlines this year’s edge-rusher market, his recent injury issues could impact his price. Booher also mentioned Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh as potential targets, though both would likely command sizable contracts.

Those moves, however, would likely require the kind of cap flexibility created by restructuring deals like Goff’s and St. Brown’s. If Detroit chooses to get creative with its finances, it could quickly put itself in position to address defensive shortcomings that hurt the team at key moments last season.

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