With the 2026 NFL Draft now complete, teams around the league—including the Detroit Lions—are shifting their focus to roster decisions ahead of the critical June 1 salary-cap deadline. General manager Brad Holmes may need to make difficult moves as the team finalizes its roster for the 2026–27 season.

Holmes has built a reputation for carefully managing the team’s finances, and the post-draft period often leads to roster cuts that help teams create additional cap space. Now that Detroit has addressed key needs during the draft—adding offensive tackle Blake Miller and edge rusher Derrick Moore—the Lions could look to move on from a veteran to free up funds.

Brock Wright Could Be Odd Man Out in Lions Tight End Room

One player who could be at risk is tight end Brock Wright. According to contract data from Over the Cap, releasing Wright before June 1 would save the Lions approximately $3.58 million in salary-cap space.

Detroit already features one of the NFL’s top young tight ends in Sam LaPorta. In addition, veteran Tyler Conklin is also on the roster, which could make Wright expendable heading into the season.

Wright filled in when LaPorta missed time due to injury last season but produced modest numbers, finishing with 108 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With LaPorta expected to return fully healthy, Wright’s role in the offense could become even smaller.

Analyst Suggests Wright May Be on “Borrowed Time”

In an analysis for Detroit Jock City, writer Ernesto Cova suggested Wright could soon be out of Detroit’s plans.

Cova noted that once LaPorta returns to full strength, Conklin is likely to take over most of the TE2 responsibilities, leaving limited opportunities for Wright in the offense. With the Lions potentially needing additional cap space and roster flexibility—particularly to strengthen the defense—Wright could be the odd man out.

Despite being a respected locker-room presence and former undrafted success story, Detroit may ultimately decide that the financial savings and roster space are too valuable to ignore.

Lions Drop in Early NFL Power Rankings

While roster decisions continue, early projections for the upcoming season are already emerging. According to TheScore, the Lions currently sit at No. 15 in early NFL power rankings, down from No. 10 before the draft.

The outlet questioned whether Detroit selected the best possible players when choosing Miller with the 17th overall pick and Moore at No. 44 overall. Analysts suggested the Lions might have done more with their early selections as the franchise continues rebuilding its trenches.

Still, both Miller and Moore were widely viewed as solid prospects at positions of need. If they develop quickly and the roster adjustments go smoothly, Detroit could climb back up the rankings before the 2026–27 NFL season kicks off.