Roster Alert: 4 Detroit Lions Under Contract Who Could Be Gone Before Summer
The Detroit Lions will have some difficult roster decisions to make ahead of OTAs in 2026, particularly along the offensive line and defensive front.
Detroit already knows it must find a long-term solution at center, but the situation at left tackle is becoming just as urgent. Veteran Taylor Decker may not be part of the team’s future, whether through retirement or a potential cap-saving release, leaving another major hole on the offensive line.
Beyond the trenches, the Lions are also facing uncertainty in their pass rush. With Al-Quadin Muhammad entering free agency, Detroit currently lacks a clear internal replacement, a reality that could heavily influence both its draft strategy and free-agent approach this offseason.
With OTAs approaching this summer, here are four Lions currently under contract who could be cut before practices begin.
4 Lions That Could Be Gone by OTAs in 2026
Giovanni Manu
Giovanni Manu has taken criticism this offseason, largely due to circumstances outside his control. The former fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has not developed to the point where he can realistically replace Taylor Decker at left tackle.
That assessment came directly from general manager Brad Holmes, who recently stated it would be “unfair” to expect Manu to be ready to take over such a significant role by his third season. If Manu isn’t viewed as a viable starter, his roster spot becomes difficult to justify—especially if the Lions select a tackle in the first or second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
From a financial standpoint, a post–June 1 cut would save Detroit just over $1 million in cap space, a meaningful number for a team already projected to be tight against the cap. Manu’s future in Detroit appears increasingly uncertain.
Taylor Decker
This is the most obvious name on the list. Taylor Decker’s time with the Lions may be nearing its end, either through retirement or a team-initiated release.
ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz recently floated Decker as a potential bold cut for Detroit, noting the cap flexibility it could create while allowing the Lions to pursue a healthier long-term option at left tackle. Decker has struggled to stay healthy, and his situation increasingly mirrors that of Frank Ragnow late in his career—an elite lineman worn down by repeated injuries and constant rehab.
With Penei Sewell firmly entrenched on the right side, Detroit may decide it’s time to turn the page at left tackle entirely.
Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki is another draft pick who hasn’t been able to establish a consistent role. Injuries derailed his special teams contributions, and he never carved out meaningful snaps in the running back rotation.
At times, former UFL running back Jacob Saylors was more involved in the offense than Vaki, which speaks volumes about his standing on the depth chart. With Tom Kennedy emerging as a reliable kick returner, Vaki’s pathway to relevance continues to shrink.
Given how little production Detroit has seen, the Lions may be comfortable moving on from Vaki before OTAs.
Loren Strickland
The Lions were forced to rely on several lesser-known defensive backs during the 2025 season due to a wave of injuries in the secondary. Players like Nick Whiteside and Rock Ya-Sin stepped up when given opportunities.
Unfortunately for Loren Strickland, he didn’t separate himself in that group. Although he remains under contract through 2026, his roster spot could be in jeopardy if Detroit targets a safety early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With this draft class expected to be deep at defensive back and along the defensive line, two areas the Lions are prioritizing, Strickland could become an early offseason casualty.
