3 Detroit Lions Players Who Could Become Cap Casualties
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22163107/1288657410.jpg)
As the dust settles on Super Bowl LVIII, NFL teams are pivoting towards the offseason with an eye on their financials and rosters for the 2024 season. The Detroit Lions find themselves in a relatively comfortable position with an estimated $61 million in cap space, ranking seventh among NFL teams according to Spotrac, while OverTheCap’s projection of $45.2 million in effective cap space—accounting for at least 51 roster spots and the upcoming rookie class—suggests the Lions have some maneuvering to do.
Despite this seemingly favorable financial situation, the Detroit Lions could opt to increase their cap space by approximately $12 million through the release of three specific players. This strategy underscores the harsh realities of the NFL’s salary cap management, where even key contributors can find themselves on the chopping block. Here are three players who could become cap casualties.
Tracy Walker: Safety Measures
Tracy Walker, entering the final year of a three-year deal signed in 2022, is one such player under scrutiny. Walker’s $12.8 million cap hit for 2024 is a figure the Lions might deem too steep, especially considering he was a healthy scratch during the Lions playoff games. Cutting Walker would free up $5.5 million in cap space, offering some financial relief as they build for the future.
John Cominsky: Defensive Line Decisions
John Cominsky is another player who could find his tenure with the Lions at risk. With a $6.2 million cap hit on the horizon for 2024, the defensive lineman’s performance last season—characterized by a decline in production—might not justify the financial commitment. Releasing Cominsky could provide the Lions with an additional $4.6 million in cap space, potentially redirecting resources to areas of greater need.
Levi Onwuzurike: Tackling the Future
Levi Onwuzurike, the former second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, carries a cap figure of nearly $2.6 million. After missing the entire 2022 season due to a back injury and playing a limited role in the following year, the Lions could consider his release a financially prudent move. Doing so would net almost $1.8 million in savings, despite Onwuzurike showing flashes of pass-rush potential last season.
Bottom Line
The NFL offseason is a time of tough decisions and financial calculus. For the Detroit Lions, the potential releases of Tracy Walker, John Cominsky, and Levi Onwuzurike represent the difficult balance between performance, potential, and cost. As the team looks to optimize its roster and cap space, these decisions will be crucial in shaping their strategy for the 2024 season and beyond.
READ MORE:
Detroit Lions sign free agent Mathieu Betts
Detroit Lions sign free agent Mathieu Betts
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their defensive line depth, the Detroit Lions have secured Canadian Football League standout Mathieu Betts on a contract. This acquisition, reported by TSN, introduces a notable talent from the CFL to the Lions’ roster, potentially addressing a key area of need for the team.
From CFL Stardom to NFL Aspirations
At 28, Betts has carved out an impressive career in the CFL since his debut in 2019. His recent season with the BC Lions was nothing short of historic; Betts shattered records and dominated the field as a defensive lineman. With an astounding 18 sacks over the course of the season, he set a new benchmark for Canadian single-season sack leadership.
His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, earning him the title of the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2023. Betts’ achievements in the CFL have set the stage for his transition to the NFL, where he will seek to translate his dominance into success with the Detroit Lions.
Addressing a Key Need for the Lions
The Detroit Lions’ decision to sign Betts comes at a crucial time. Last season, the team faced challenges in generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a factor that can significantly impact the dynamics of a game. Aside from Aidan Hutchinson, who concluded the season with double-digit sacks, the Lions struggled to find reliable pass rushers among their ranks. By bringing in Betts, the Lions are clearly looking to inject new energy and effectiveness into their defensive line.
Betts’ Potential Impact on the Lions
Mathieu Betts’ arrival in Detroit signals a hopeful shift for the Lions’ defense. His proven track record of disrupting plays and commanding attention in the backfield could provide the Lions with the edge they need to enhance their pass rush. While transitioning from the CFL to the NFL entails adjustments, Betts’ athleticism, technique, and drive position him as a promising addition to the team. His signing to a futures contract allows the Lions to develop Betts within their system, with an eye toward making a significant impact in the upcoming seasons.
Bottom Line
The signing of Mathieu Betts to a contract by the Detroit Lions represents both an investment in talent and a strategic move to strengthen their defensive line. As Betts prepares to make the leap from CFL acclaim to the NFL stage, the Lions and their fans will eagerly anticipate the impact he could have on their defensive capabilities. With his track record of excellence and the potential for growth within the NFL, Betts’ journey with the Lions will be one to watch closely as the team aims to improve its pass rush and overall defensive performance in the seasons to come.
