The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 offseason with over $50 million in cap space, and while they have a number of free agents to manage, some players under contract might be released to create more cap flexibility. These decisions are essential because, although the salary cap increases each year, player contracts also grow, which sometimes forces teams to cut older or less efficient contracts to free up money for new additions or extensions.
While the Lions’ roster is in solid shape and they don’t necessarily need to make drastic cuts, trimming a few contracts could save valuable cap space for other moves. The following players, due to their age, performance, or salary, might find themselves on the chopping block this offseason. For clarity, this list focuses on potential cuts before June 1, meaning any dead cap from those cuts would be fully accounted for in 2025.
Za’Darius Smith, DL
2025 Cap Hit: $5,727,500
Pre-June 1 Cut: $0 dead cap, $5,727,500 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: High
Smith, acquired midseason in a trade, provided a much-needed boost to the pass rush but didn’t have the impact the Lions were hoping for in their playoff run. His contract, structured by the Browns, complicates matters, as a release before March 15 avoids a $2 million bonus. Keeping Smith would be costly due to his prorated bonuses, so the Lions might opt to cut him and potentially re-sign him at a lower cost or restructure his deal.
Graham Glasgow, OL
2025 Cap Hit: $7,437,500
Pre-June 1 Cut: $5,312,500 dead cap, $2,125,000 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Medium
Glasgow, whose performance slipped in 2024, could be a candidate for release given his high cap hit and declining play. However, his versatility as a backup lineman may keep him on the roster, especially if the Lions decide to let go of other depth pieces. If Zeitler, another free agent, leaves, Glasgow could remain to compete for a starting role or provide valuable depth.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB
2025 Cap Hit: $4,645,000
Pre-June 1 Cut: $2,750,000 dead cap, $1,895,000 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Medium
Reeves-Maybin, once a key special teamer, struggled in 2024 after an injury. With the team’s linebacker depth improving, including the emergence of players like Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez, the Lions could look to move on from him to save cap space, though he could still provide value as a depth piece or special teams contributor.
Kalif Raymond, WR
2025 Cap Hit: $6,376,471
Pre-June 1 Cut: $3,100,000 dead cap, $3,276,471 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Low
Raymond’s decline in offensive production, paired with a strong season as a returner, puts his future in question. While he may not be as impactful on offense, his elite punt return ability makes him difficult to replace. Given the Lions’ lack of returner depth, it’s unlikely they will cut him unless they have a clear replacement.
Alex Anzalone, LB
2025 Cap Hit: $7,258,824
Pre-June 1 Cut: $2,400,000 dead cap, $4,858,824 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Very Low
Anzalone was one of Detroit’s most reliable defensive players in 2024, and cutting him would leave a significant void in the linebacker corps. His leadership and solid play make him a cornerstone of the defense, so it’s highly unlikely the Lions would part ways with him.
Amik Robertson, CB
2025 Cap Hit: $6,400,000
Pre-June 1 Cut: $1,650,000 dead cap, $4,750,000 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Very Low
Robertson had a quietly effective season and provides flexibility with his ability to play both outside and in the slot. Cutting him would leave the Lions with less reliable depth at cornerback, making his departure unlikely unless the team finds a more cost-effective option.
Josh Paschal, DL
2025 Cap Hit: $2,461,346
Pre-June 1 Cut: $701,483 dead cap, $1,759,863 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Very Low
Paschal was important in 2024 due to a string of defensive injuries, although his production was underwhelming. Still, given the Lions’ defensive line depth issues, Paschal is likely to stay as a rotational player with the potential for more development.
Hendon Hooker, QB
2025 Cap Hit: $1,559,735
Pre-June 1 Cut: $579,646 dead cap, $980,089 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Very Low
Hooker, who has yet to take meaningful snaps, is still viewed as a developmental player with upside. Cutting him would not make sense given his potential and the fact that he’s still on his rookie deal.
Brodric Martin, DT
2025 Cap Hit: $1,446,568
Pre-June 1 Cut: $428,756 dead cap, $1,017,812 savings in 2025
Cut Probability: Very Low
Martin has not yet contributed significantly, but like Hooker, the Lions drafted him for his potential. Cutting him would be an inefficient move, as they would likely prefer to develop him further, especially as a young third-round pick.
Ultimately, while some of these players may face cuts, the Lions are unlikely to make drastic moves unless there are better options to free up cap space. Releasing or restructuring contracts of aging or underperforming players like Smith or Glasgow could help, but the team’s depth and the need for balance in their roster will likely prevent many major cuts.
