The Detroit Lions, following their early playoff exit, are heading into an offseason that could be relatively smooth. Their front office has worked to balance the team’s salary cap, and they are projected to have $67.9 million in available cap space, according to Spotrac. With the return of key players like edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and several others from injury, the Lions are in a good position. However, to make room for free agents, some roster changes may still be necessary, with veteran defensive lineman D.J. Reader potentially on the chopping block.
Bleacher Report named Reader as a top candidate for release, citing his $8 million cap hit that the Lions could clear by cutting him. If the Lions are aiming to make a move in free agency or re-sign key players like defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill, Reader’s departure might be an option. Reader signed a two-year, $27.25 million contract last offseason and started all 15 games, totaling 23 tackles and 3 sacks.
The Lions also face some crucial decisions with 22 players set to hit unrestricted free agency. Among them is cornerback Carlton Davis III, who was traded to the Lions last offseason and performed at a Pro Bowl level before a broken jaw cut his season short. Davis is expected to command a hefty contract, and the Lions must decide whether to re-sign him, use the franchise tag, or explore younger options at cornerback.
Additionally, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is also set to become a free agent. He dealt with injuries this season but showed versatility in the secondary when healthy. Melifonwu has expressed interest in re-signing with the team, which could make him a potential returnee.
As the Lions look to build on their strong 2024 season, where they earned a league-high 15 wins but fell in the playoffs, they will need to make some tough decisions to continue progressing.
