105-Game Veteran with 277 Total Tackles and 9.5 Sacks Predicted to Part Ways with Detroit Lions

Still, the team may need to make roster changes to free up additional space for free agents, with one veteran defensive lineman highlighted as a likely cut candidate.

Lions Could Create Additional Cap Room

Bleacher Report listed defensive lineman D.J. Reader as one of the top potential salary cap casualties across the NFL.

“The Lions are in a good position regarding 2025 cap space, so they may not need to release anyone for financial reasons,” the report explained. “However, if they aim to sign free agents or retain their own players, D.J. Reader could be on the chopping block. Releasing the veteran nose tackle would free up $8 million in cap room.”

The report also noted that retaining free agent defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike alongside emerging talent Alim McNeill could require cutting Reader.

Reader joined the Lions last offseason on a two-year, $27.25 million deal. He started all 15 games he played, finishing with 23 tackles and 3.0 sacks.

Tough Choices Await the Lions

This offseason, the Lions will need to address key decisions, with 22 players set to become unrestricted free agents. Among them is cornerback Carlton Davis III, who was acquired via trade last offseason and delivered a standout performance.

Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ official website reported that Davis is expected to demand a significant contract.

“Davis was playing at a Pro Bowl level before a broken jaw in Week 15 against Buffalo ended his season,” Twentyman wrote. “He’s projected to be one of the most sought-after free-agent cornerbacks, leaving the Lions with a tough choice: tag him, re-sign him, or opt for a younger replacement.”

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is another player heading into unrestricted free agency after demonstrating his versatility in the secondary. Twentyman suggested he could re-sign with Detroit.

“Melifonwu battled ankle and finger injuries, which kept him sidelined until late December,” Twentyman wrote. “After the season, he expressed interest in returning to Detroit, where he was drafted as part of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s 2021 class. When healthy, he’s a versatile defensive asset.”

The Lions built a strong, balanced roster this year, following up their NFC Championship Game appearance with a league-best 15-win season. However, they fell in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Washington Commanders.