The Detroit Lions’ spending habits on defense are raising eyebrows, but a closer look shows a calculated approach. With $96.85 million allocated to defense—25th in the NFL—some might argue Detroit isn’t investing enough. However, the Lions have one of the youngest defenses in the league, and many key players are still on rookie contracts. As stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch become extension-eligible, spending is bound to increase.
The biggest defensive investment is in the interior defensive line, where Detroit ranks 11th at $30.3 million. DJ Reader ($12.9 million) and Alim McNeill ($6.1 million) lead the charge, while even backup nose tackle Roy Lopez has a significant cap hit ($3.64 million). On the edge, the Lions are spending just $19.3 million (25th in the league), but that will change when Hutchinson gets his inevitable payday. Linebackers are a different story, as Detroit ranks 10th in spending ($21.5 million), emphasizing depth without overpaying any single player.
Cornerbacks ($18.6 million, 23rd) and safeties ($7.0 million, 29th) are the team’s biggest bargains, thanks to cost-effective rookie contracts. However, with DJ Reed’s contract set to spike in 2026 and extensions looming for Joseph and Branch, Detroit’s secondary spending will soon increase. While some may see underinvestment, the Lions appear to be playing the long game—building a young, cost-controlled core before making bigger financial commitments.
Building a Wall: How the Lions Are Investing Their Cap Space in Defense
