3 Detroit Lions Players Who Could Become Cap Casualties. Cutting these three players would save the Lions roughly $12 million in cap space.
With Super Bowl LVIII behind us, NFL teams are turning their attention to the summer and their 2024 rosters and finances. With an estimated $61 million in cap space, the Detroit Lions rank seventh among NFL teams. However, OverTheCap projects $45.2 million in effective cap space, which takes into account at least 51 roster spots and the upcoming rookie class, indicating the Lions will need to make some adjustments.
NFL Playoff Image NFL Playoffs for the Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions check up on a local blogger Detroit Lions Have Won the Offseason Already Free Agency for the Detroit Lions Players on the Detroit Lions Who May Be Cap Casualties
Even with this advantageous financial position, the Detroit Lions have the option to add almost $12 million to their cap space by cutting three players. This tactic underlines how difficult it is for the NFL to maintain its pay cap, since even important players may end themselves cut. These three players have the potential to lose their caps.
Tracy Walker: Safety Measures
One player who is being examined is Tracy Walker, who is about to reach the last year of a three-year contract that was signed in 2022. Walker has a $12.8 million 2024 salary cap charge, which the Lions may find excessive given that he was a healthy scratch for the team’s postseason games. Walker’s removal would provide $5.5 million in cap space, providing some much-needed financial respite as they prepare for the long term.
John Cominsky: Defensive Line Decisions
Another player whose future with the Lions may be in jeopardy is John Cominsky. Given that the defensive lineman’s output dropped last season and he would have a $6.2 million salary charge in 2024, the expense may not be justified. The Lions might have an extra $4.6 million in cap space if Cominsky is released, which could allow them to reallocate funds to places that need them more.
Levi Onwuzurike: Tackling the Future
Though he showed glimpses of pass-rush potential last season, Levi Onwuzurike, a former second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, carries a cap figure of nearly $2.6 million. The Lions may view his release as a prudent financial decision after he missed the entire 2022 season due to a back injury and played a limited role in the following year.
