The Detroit Lions’ 2025 campaign has fallen far short of expectations.
After entering the season viewed as one of the NFL’s most complete teams, optimism was sky-high in Detroit.

The Lions were fresh off a 15–2 regular season and returned much of their core, leading many to believe they were legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Instead, they now sit at 8–7, on the brink of playoff elimination, with major roster questions looming.
As Detroit prioritizes locking up its young, homegrown talent, tough financial and personnel decisions are inevitable.

With the salary cap tightening, this final stretch of games may mark the end of the road for several veteran contributors.
Here are five Lions who could be wearing different uniforms in 2026.
Alex Anzalone, Linebacker
Anzalone’s future in Detroit became uncertain during training camp, when a well-publicized contract dispute delayed his return.

He ultimately played out the final year of his deal, but the absence of an extension — something the Lions typically handle early — raises questions about what comes next.
Despite being 31 years old, Anzalone has remained productive, recording 92 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. He’s also been a defensive captain and a key leader during Detroit’s rebuild, making his potential departure an emotional one.

Still, with Jack Campbell emerging as the long-term centerpiece of the linebacker group and significant money already earmarked for future extensions, it’s difficult to see Detroit committing to Anzalone on another multi-year deal.

He should draw interest in free agency for both his leadership and experience.
Graham Glasgow, Offensive Lineman
Following Frank Ragnow’s retirement, the Lions leaned on Glasgow to steady the interior offensive line, particularly at center.

However, injuries and inconsistent play have limited his impact, as he’s missed two of the past three games.
According to Pro Football Focus, Glasgow holds a 57.4 overall grade, while his 55.4 run-blocking grade is the lowest of his career since entering the league in 2016.

While his versatility remains valuable, Detroit has invested heavily in younger linemen through the draft, potentially making him expendable.
Glasgow is under contract through 2026, but a post–June 1 release would save the Lions $7 million in cap space while leaving $1.44 million in dead money.

With Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, and Miles Frazier all competing for interior roles, Detroit may opt to move on from the veteran.
David Montgomery, Running Back
Montgomery’s role has become increasingly puzzling over the second half of the season. What was once a balanced two-back system has shifted toward Jahmyr Gibbs dominating touches, leaving Montgomery firmly in a secondary role.

Although Montgomery is under contract through 2027 and earns over $9 million annually across the next two seasons, his recent usage doesn’t reflect that investment. There’s also the question of longevity: Montgomery will turn 29 next year and has already logged nearly 1,500 career carries.

Detroit could explore trade possibilities, especially given Montgomery’s steady production when called upon. A post–June 1 release would save $6 million in 2026 and $9 million in 2027, though it would come with manageable dead cap hits. If his role remains limited, a split could benefit both sides.

D.J. Reader, Defensive Tackle
Reader is scheduled to hit free agency after completing a two-year contract signed before the 2024 season. While he was solid in his first year with Detroit, his performance has dipped in 2025.

Now in his 10th NFL season, Reader owns a career-low 67.1 run-defense grade and has yet to record a tackle for loss this year. His snap count has been reduced, sharing time with Roy Lopez, while first-round pick Tyleik Williams appears to be positioning himself as the future at nose tackle.

Though Reader’s leadership and off-field contributions — including being named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee — are valued, Detroit may decide to get younger and cheaper at the position.

Amik Robertson, Cornerback
Robertson is also nearing the end of a two-year deal and has struggled to maintain consistency in an expanded role. Injuries forced him into more boundary snaps this season, and the results have been uneven.

Pro Football Focus grades Robertson at 47.7 overall, and quarterbacks have posted a 110.5 passer rating when targeting him. With Terrion Arnold expected to remain a foundational piece and Ennis Rakestraw potentially entering the mix, Detroit’s cornerback room is already crowded.

Add in D.J. Reed’s multi-year commitment and limited cap flexibility, and it becomes hard to justify re-signing Robertson. While his versatility has been useful, his production hasn’t matched last season’s strong finish