In the upcoming summer, general manager Brad Holmes will try to strengthen a roster that lost to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Lions should still try to acquire some new players in free agency this summer, even if their roster is strong and full with dependable veterans and exciting talent.
According to Over the Cap, the team is expected to have about $46 million in cap space, but if Detroit decides to make some cuts, that amount might increase.
Kalif Raymond, a wide receiver and special team player, is one of the Lions’ probable cap casualties, according to Pride of Detroit’s John Whiticar.
“Almost unthinkable a year ago, Raymond’s contract and production puts him in a tough spot for the Lions,” Whiticar stated. “During his time with the Lions, the two-time All-Pro has excelled as an offensive contributor in addition to a returner.
But offensively, 2024 was by far his poorest season in Detroit.
“Raymond had the most punt return yards of his career (413 yards, which led the league) and added a punt return touchdown as well,” Whiticar stated.
“The question is not his return ability, but whether the Lions want to pay over $6 million for a returner with a lessening impact on offense.” Raymond joined the Lions in 2021 and has since been a prolific returner and sporadic offensive threat.
After spending the majority of his career as a journeyman, the 30-year-old has settled in Detroit and found a position that suits him.
Despite not being a reliable offensive playmaker and missing five games in 2024 due to injury, Raymond, a former undrafted free agent, was selected to the second team All-Pro this season and is still.
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