By Blessing 
Detroit Lions Players Who Could Become Cap Casualties in 2025
Every NFL offseason, tough decisions must be made, and for the Detroit Lions, trimming their salary cap is one of them. While the team boasts a strong roster and substantial cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, it’s still possible that some contracts may end up on the chopping block to maximize spending efficiency.
With over $50 million in cap space to start the offseason, the Lions are not under immediate pressure to shed deals. However, saving money—even when not mandatory—can help fund new contracts for free agents or extensions for cornerstone players.
Before we dive into potential cuts, let’s get one thing straight: not every large contract is at risk. The Lions have a handful of highly paid players who are untouchable, such as quarterback Jared Goff. Despite a disappointing playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, the Lions will not consider moving on from Goff, whose 2025 cap hit exceeds $32 million.
Other big contracts include offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow, as well as standout players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson. These players are too critical to the team’s success to be let go. Even DJ Reader, despite his hefty cap hit of nearly $8 million, is a key piece of the defensive line and is unlikely to be cut.
With those names secure, let’s explore nine players who could be in danger of being released due to age, production, or cap savings. These evaluations assume pre-June 1 cuts, meaning the dead cap would all hit in 2025.
1. Za’Darius Smith (Defensive Line)
2025 Cap Hit: $5,727,500
Savings if Cut: $5,727,500
Likelihood of Being Cut: High
Za’Darius Smith was a midseason trade acquisition, brought in to boost Detroit’s pass rush. While his presence helped stabilize the defensive line, it wasn’t enough to propel the team deep into the playoffs. Unfortunately for Smith, the structure of his contract makes him an easy candidate for release.
If the Lions cut him before March 15—the third day of the new league year—they won’t incur any dead cap. However, if he remains on the roster beyond that date, a $2 million signing bonus from his previous Cleveland Browns deal will kick in, increasing the financial burden.
Keeping Smith would also trigger $6.9 million in option bonuses spread across multiple years. Unless Detroit restructures his deal or re-signs him after releasing him, Smith’s current contract is simply too costly to justify.
2. Graham Glasgow (Offensive Line)
2025 Cap Hit: $7,437,500
Savings if Cut: $2,125,000
Likelihood of Being Cut: Medium
The Lions’ offensive line was one of the NFL’s best in 2024, but Graham Glasgow struggled to keep up. The veteran guard’s performance dipped as the season progressed, and rookie Christian Mahogany started to emerge as a viable replacement.
At 33 years old, Glasgow’s best days may be behind him. While cutting him would result in over $5 million in dead cap, the team would save about $2 million—money that could be used to strengthen other areas.
That said, Glasgow’s versatility and experience make him a valuable backup, particularly with Kevin Zeitler set to hit free agency. If Zeitler departs, cutting Glasgow could leave the Lions with two starting guard vacancies—a risky scenario.
3. Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Linebacker)
2025 Cap Hit: $4,645,000
Savings if Cut: $1,895,000
Likelihood of Being Cut: Medium
Once a standout special teams player, Jalen Reeves-Maybin had a rough 2024 season. A neck injury sidelined him for multiple games, and his production on special teams plummeted.
Reeves-Maybin’s defensive snaps were limited as well, with players like Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Malcolm Rodriguez ahead of him on the depth chart. With younger and cheaper options available, including pending free agents like Derrick Barnes, Detroit might opt to move on from Reeves-Maybin.
At 30 years old, Reeves-Maybin still has some good football left, but his declining impact may not justify his cap hit.
4. Kalif Raymond (Wide Receiver)
2025 Cap Hit: $6,376,471
Savings if Cut: $3,276,471
Likelihood of Being Cut: Low
Kalif Raymond has been a reliable contributor for the Lions as both a receiver and return specialist. However, his offensive production took a nosedive in 2024. Limited to just 12 games due to injury, Raymond recorded only 215 receiving yards—his lowest output in years.
While he led the league in punt return yards (413) and scored a punt return touchdown, the Lions must decide if paying over $6 million for a returner is worth it.
The lack of viable replacements on the roster could save Raymond’s spot. Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tom Kennedy filled in as returners during Raymond’s absence, but neither is an ideal long-term solution.
5. Alex Anzalone (Linebacker)
2025 Cap Hit: $7,258,824
Savings if Cut: $4,858,824
Likelihood of Being Cut: Very Low
Alex Anzalone played a crucial role in the Lions’ defense in 2024, and while Jack Campbell is expected to take on a leadership role in the future, Anzalone remains a valuable piece of the team.
With Derrick Barnes potentially leaving in free agency, Detroit cannot afford to lose additional depth at linebacker. Anzalone’s solid play and importance to the defense make him highly unlikely to be cut.
6. Amik Robertson (Cornerback)
2025 Cap Hit: $6,400,000
Savings if Cut: $4,750,000
Likelihood of Being Cut: Very Low
Amik Robertson quietly had an excellent 2024 season, proving his worth as a versatile cornerback capable of playing both inside and outside. With Carlton Davis set to hit free agency, cutting Robertson would only create more holes in the secondary.
The Lions need to add to their defensive depth, not subtract from it. At 27 years old, Robertson is still in his prime and offers tremendous value on his current deal.
7. Josh Paschal (Defensive Line)
2025 Cap Hit: $2,461,346
Savings if Cut: $1,759,863
Likelihood of Being Cut: Very Low
Josh Paschal stepped into a larger role in 2024 due to injuries along the defensive line. While his production was modest, he proved to be a reliable rotational player.
Paschal’s versatility and ability to step up in a pinch make him a valuable depth piece. The Lions would be hard-pressed to find a better, cheaper alternative.
8. Hendon Hooker (Quarterback)
2025 Cap Hit: $1,559,735
Savings if Cut: $980,089
Likelihood of Being Cut: Very Low
Hendon Hooker hasn’t had much of a chance to prove himself in the NFL, but cutting a young quarterback with potential after just two seasons would be shortsighted.
While Hooker was demoted to third-string for Detroit’s playoff game, the Lions are likely to give him more time to develop before making any decisions about his future.
9. Brodric Martin (Defensive Tackle)
2025 Cap Hit: $1,446,568
Savings if Cut: $1,017,812
Likelihood of Being Cut: Very Low
Like Hooker, Brodric Martin is a 2023 third-round pick who hasn’t had much of an opportunity to shine. Cutting him this early in his career would be uncharacteristic of Lions GM Brad Holmes, who has shown patience with young players.
Final Thoughts
While the Lions aren’t in a position where they must make cuts, there are a few contracts that stand out as potential cap-saving opportunities. Players like Za’Darius Smith and Graham Glasgow are the most likely candidates, while others, such as Alex Anzalone and Amik Robertson, are safe bets to stick around.
At the end of the day, the Lions’ goal is to maintain their strong roster while finding ways to improve. That means balancing cap savings with on-field performance—a tricky but necessary part of building a championship contender.