The Detroit Lions didn’t make it as far as they wanted to in 2025. After making the NFC Championship Game in 2023, the Lions fell in the divisional round against the Washington Commanders in 2024.
As a result, the team could be looking to make some bold moves this offseason in a bid to go all the way in 2025. Over the Cap predicts the Lions to have around $52 million in cap space this offseason, so expect the team to be involved with some big names in free agency and in the trade market.
Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire recently went through a mock offseason exercise for the Lions. Risdon has the team trading for star edge rusher Myles Garrett and signing the veteran to a massive extension.
“Garrett instantly moves to the top of this list, as he refuses to report to Detroit without a new contract that pays him significantly more guaranteed money,” said Risdon. “The Lions and Garrett agree to a 4-year deal worth $144.5 million ($36.13 million per year) with $94 million guaranteed at signing (65 percent). This deal is worked out with Garrett’s agent before the trade; the hypothetical deal here does not happen without this new contract.”
Additionally, Risdon predicted the Lions to extend standout safety Kerby Joseph, as well.
“The Lions and Joseph agree on a new four-year contract extension worth $82.5 million ($20.6 million per year) and $52.8 guaranteed at signing (64 percent). It makes the 24-year-old Joseph the highest-paid safety in the league in annual salary,” Risdon explained.
If the Lions indeed make those moves, some cap space would need to be created. Risdon predicts that veteran defenders Za’Darius Smith and Jalen Reeves-Maybin would be cap casualties in this scenario.
Regarding moving on from those veterans, Risdon offered the following:
Due to the heavy hit from the new contracts, the Lions release LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin and EDGE Za’Darius Smith. Those moves save Detroit $6.1 million in 2025 cap room.
Smith racked up 12 tackles, four sacks, and three tackles for loss in 2024 over eight games with the Lions. The veteran has three Pro Bowl selections on his resume and has reached double-digit sacks in three separate seasons.
Reeves-Maybin, meanwhile, has earned a reputation as one of the game’s best special-teamers and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. In 2024, the linebacker collected 14 tackles and one forced fumble.
As Risdon mentioned, cutting these veterans would save the team just over $6 million. Smith would no longer be needed if Garrett is brought into town, and Reeves-Maybin is another year older and offers little outside of special teams.
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