The Detroit Lions are facing some tough decisions as their offseason begins following their first playoff game loss to the Washington Commanders, which ended their Super Bowl dreams. Now, the team must focus on which players to keep and possibly cut, with an eye on salary cap management for the 2025 season.
As teams review their contracts and potential cuts, Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe highlighted some key Detroit Lions players who could be on the chopping block. “Determining cut candidates is tricky, especially with teams undergoing coaching or coordinator changes, as it can alter player value,” said Rolfe.
Though much of Rolfe’s attention is on defensive lineman D.J. Reader, he also mentions wide receiver Kalif Raymond as a possible cut. Raymond’s 2025 cap number sits at $6.4 million, and the Lions could save $3.3 million before June 1 or $4.8 million after.
USA Today’s Ryan Love notes that Raymond is beloved by Lions fans, especially for his successful stint as a kick returner. However, Love points out that Raymond’s productivity could be easily replaced for a modest cap savings in 2025.
Beyond Reader and Raymond, Rolfe also points to linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and EDGE Za’Darius Smith as potential cuts. While Reeves-Maybin’s situation is tricky due to the team’s thin linebacker depth, Smith’s inclusion could surprise fans. Smith was instrumental when Aidan Hutchinson was injured, but Love suggests Smith’s performance wasn’t enough to elevate the Lions back to their early-season form.
Smith’s cap number for 2025 is $5.7 million, and while Love acknowledges Smith’s solid contributions, he believes Smith is not a game-changer as expected from his position. Love also notes that cutting Smith wouldn’t be a major financial loss for the team.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter with experience covering the NFL and college football for various outlets like ESPN and Fox Sports. She also hosts podcasts and radio shows based in Detroit.
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