As the disappointment from their early playoff exit subsides, the Detroit Lions head into what could be a relatively smooth offseason.
The front office has worked diligently to manage salaries and is projected to have $67.9 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.
After a season filled with injuries, the Lions will also see the return of key defensive players like star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, among others.
However, the Lions may still need to make some roster moves to free up space for potential free-agent signings, with one veteran defensive lineman being a top candidate for release.
Bleacher Report highlighted the most likely salary cap casualties for each NFL team, naming defensive lineman D.J. Reader as a prime candidate to leave.
“The Lions are in decent shape with 2025 cap space, so they might decide not to cut anyone for cap purposes,” the report stated. “But if they want to pursue free agents or clear space to re-sign their own players, D.J. Reader could be the one. Releasing the veteran nose tackle would create $8 million in cap space.”
The report also noted that if the Lions wish to keep free-agent defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike and emerging star Alim McNeill for the future, they may need to make cap moves such as releasing Reader.
Reader signed a two-year, $27.25 million deal with the Lions last offseason. He played in 15 games, starting all of them, and recorded 23 tackles and 3.0 sacks.
The Lions face several important internal decisions this offseason, with 22 players set to hit unrestricted free agency.
Among them is cornerback Carlton Davis III, who was acquired via trade last offseason and had an impressive season.
Team reporter Tim Twentyman noted that Davis is expected to demand a significant price tag this offseason.
“Davis was playing at a Pro Bowl level this season before a broken jaw in Week 15 against Buffalo ended his season,” Twentyman wrote.
“He will be one of the most sought-after free-agent cornerbacks, so the Lions have a major decision: tag him, re-sign him, or let him walk and look for younger options at the position.”
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is also heading to free agency after a season where he showed versatility in the secondary. Twentyman noted he could return for the 2025 season.
“Melifonwu battled ankle and finger injuries that kept him off the field until late December,” Twentyman wrote.
“He expressed a desire to re-sign with Detroit after being drafted in 2021, as part of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s first draft class. When healthy, he’s a versatile defensive back.”
The Lions assembled a well-rounded roster this season to build off their NFC Championship Game appearance last year, winning a league-best 15 games but falling in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Washington Commanders.
