After a strong 15-2 season, the Detroit Lions are facing tough decisions regarding their roster as they look to free up cap space for the upcoming offseason. One name that has surfaced as a potential cut is Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a former All-Pro special teams player.
Reeves-Maybin, drafted by the Lions in 2017, spent five seasons with the team before a brief stint with the Houston Texans. Detroit re-signed him to a one-year deal, and his standout special teams play earned him an All-Pro second-team selection and a Pro Bowl spot. Following that success, the Lions signed him to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Unfortunately, his 2024 season didn’t live up to expectations, as he played in just 10 games, recorded 14 tackles, and missed 17.6% of his tackle attempts.
With a $4.75 million cap hit for 2025, the Lions can save $2 million by releasing him. Given his injury history, lackluster performance last season, and his impending 30th birthday, cutting Reeves-Maybin could be a smart move for the Lions if they decide that the $2 million could be better allocated elsewhere. The decision may also hinge on how much the team values spending on special teams players, especially with other cut candidates like Kalif Raymond also in the mix.
