The Detroit Lions do not have many problematic contracts on the books, but these three are now causing some concern.
According to Over The Cap, the Detroit Lions now have the eighth-most cap space in the NFL ($44.84 million). They have added some notable dead money for 2024 based on contract void years that have now triggered, but there aren’t many big cap amounts or contracts on the books that might be classified as a “albatross.”
That is a testament to general manager Brad Holmes and the front office’s efforts. There is potential for some targeted outside additions this offseason, particularly at a couple defensive positions, as the next step toward a Super Bowl should be prioritized.
There aren’t many poor contracts to target, but here are three that are currently holding the Lions back.
Three contracts are now holding Detroit back.
3. OT Taylor Decker
Before anyone complains, this is a huge stretch. Decker, on the other hand, now has the second-highest cap hit on the team for 2024 ($19.1 million), as he enters the final year of his contract.
This winter, an extension for the Lions’ left tackle is extremely likely, and it would almost certainly be structured to cut his contract hit for this year, possibly significantly. For the record, Decker has openly stated that he has no intention of leaving. It’s safe to say they both want him to be a Lion for the rest of his career.
This offseason, the Lions do not need to make any major moves to free up cap money. However, if they are looking to make a very substantial play to acquire someone, as opposed to Holmes’ wishes, reaching an agreement with Decker to reduce his 2024 cap charge would be a significant step in that direction.
So, to some extent, any halt in extension talks with Decker might have a substantial impact on a subsequent move–if one is on the horizon. There are a lot of “ifs” related to this circumstance, which may not even connect in the end. However, this tangent only emphasizes the Lions’ current lack of contracts, which is a significant disadvantage.
