By Blessing 
Breaking Down the Detroit Lions’ Defensive Cap Space Strategy for 2025
Earlier this week, we examined how the Detroit Lions allocated their salary cap on offense. Unsurprisingly, the team has invested heavily in that area, particularly in their offensive line and running backs. But now, let’s shift focus to the defense—a unit that has drawn criticism from both local and national analysts for not receiving enough financial attention, especially in the trenches.
Is that criticism justified? To find out, we’ll take a closer look at Over The Cap’s positional spending breakdown.
Note: Some contracts have yet to be officially filed with OTC. If any Lions player’s contract details are missing, I’ll mention it.
Total Defensive Spending: $96,851,198 (25th in the NFL)
At first glance, the Lions’ defensive spending ranks near the bottom of the league, which could support the argument that they aren’t committing enough resources to this side of the ball. However, that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Detroit finished the 2024 season with the youngest starting defense in the NFL. A significant portion of their key defensive players—such as Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph—are still on their rookie contracts. This means their salaries are relatively low for now, but extensions will eventually come, increasing the team’s overall spending on defense.
That being said, it might still be wise for the Lions to allocate a bit more cap space to this unit in the immediate future.
Interior Defensive Line: $30.3 Million (11th in the NFL)
Contract not yet filed: Pat O’Connor
The Lions have prioritized stopping the run, which is evident in their spending on the defensive line. DJ Reader carries a $12.9 million cap hit, while Alim McNeill follows with $6.1 million. Both are among the team’s top 13 cap hits for 2025.
Even their backup nose tackle, Roy Lopez, commands a cap hit of $3.64 million—a surprisingly high number for a reserve at that position. On the flip side, Levi Onwuzurike’s $4.2 million cap hit appears to be a relative bargain for Detroit.
Edge Rushers: $19.3 Million (25th in the NFL)
Contract not yet filed: Al-Quadin Muhammad
No surprises here—the Lions are spending very little on edge rushers right now. However, that won’t last forever. Aidan Hutchinson is still on his rookie deal at a cap hit of $11.4 million, meaning Detroit is getting exceptional value for an elite pass rusher. Once he signs an extension, this number will jump significantly.
Beyond Hutchinson, the Lions have opted for cost-effective depth pieces rather than major investments:
- Josh Paschal: $2.5 million
- Marcus Davenport: $1.75 million
- Myles Adams: $1.1 million
- Mitchell Agude: $960,000
- Isaac Ukwu: $840,000
- Nate Lynn: $475,000
Detroit’s lack of spending here raises questions about whether they should have added more veteran pass-rushing help this offseason.
Linebackers: $21.5 Million (10th in the NFL)
Unlike edge rushers, linebackers have been a clear priority for Detroit, both in terms of financial commitment and draft capital. They rank 10th in linebacker spending, yet their contracts appear to be reasonable and well-structured.
Derrick Barnes, who just signed a new deal this offseason, carries an $8 million per-year average, making him the 22nd highest-paid linebacker in the league. Alex Anzalone, the team’s highest-paid linebacker in 2025, has a cap hit of $7.3 million, ranking 20th among NFL linebackers.
Rather than splurging on a single superstar, the Lions have chosen to spread their resources across multiple contributors, ensuring they have depth without overpaying.
Cornerbacks: $18.6 Million (23rd in the NFL)
Contracts not yet filed: Rock Ya-Sin, Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey
Detroit’s modest spending at cornerback isn’t necessarily a reflection of neglect but rather smart financial management.
Two of their top four cornerbacks—Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw—are still on their rookie contracts. Meanwhile, Amik Robertson signed an affordable two-year, $9.5 million deal, making him a solid depth piece.
The Lions also benefit from D.J. Reed’s contract structure. His 2025 cap hit sits at just $4.7 million, but it will skyrocket to $18 million in 2026. This means Detroit’s spending at cornerback will climb to around 15th in the league next year.
Safeties: $7.0 Million (29th in the NFL)
Safety is arguably where the Lions get the best value for their money.
Both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are playing at an elite level while still being on their rookie contracts. That won’t last forever—Joseph is entering the final year of his deal, and Branch is about halfway through his rookie contract. When they get their well-earned extensions, Detroit’s spending in this position will increase significantly.
What’s surprising, however, is that the Lions opted not to re-sign Ifeatu Melifonwu, who took a one-year, $3 million contract with the Dolphins—a bargain for a quality backup. With Detroit lacking experienced depth at safety, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them add reinforcements before the season begins.
Final Thoughts
At first glance, Detroit’s defensive spending might seem low, but a deeper dive reveals intentional, long-term planning. The Lions have invested heavily through the draft, keeping their costs down in the short term while developing a young, talented core.
That said, there’s still room for improvement. Adding another edge rusher or bolstering the safety depth could make a significant impact. As some of their young stars become eligible for extensions, expect this spending to increase dramatically over the next few years.
For now, the Lions’ defensive cap strategy is all about balance—spending where necessary while leaving room for future investments.