Though they don’t have a shortage of cap space, the Detroit Lions may restructure the contracts of these four players this spring in order to add more
The adjustment made to the team’s balance sheet is a crucial component of general manager Brad Holmes’ overhaul of the Detroit Lions. Their dead money position has improved significantly over the past few years, and as of right now, it stands at a pitiful—which is a good thing in this instance—$1.43 million for 2024.
The Lions are currently ranked among the top-10 teams in the NFL in terms of cap space for 2024, according to both Over The Cap ($46.1 million) and Spotrac ($48.1 million). They therefore don’t really need to take any action to give themselves more flexibility during the offseason, but as free agency draws nearer, having more options is usually a good thing.
The Lions’ roster doesn’t have many clear cut players or probable cap casualties. However, pending deal extensions this offseason may cause some 2024 cap numbers to change. Additionally, contract restructures may be considered. The most likely ways to add cap room are those.
These four Lions have the highest chance of having their contracts reworked this spring in terms of restructures.
JACK FOX:
Fox is now among the highest-paid punters in the league thanks to the Lions, quite rightly. By some criteria, he did had a slightly worse year in 2023 (46.4 yards per punt; 41.7 net average), but that was in comparison to his three seasons prior. His percentage of punts downed inside the 20-yard line increased from 26.9 percent in 2022 to 45.6 percent in the most recent season. With Fox’s contract expiring in 2026, the Lions have the option to restructure him this summer.
WALKER S TRACY:
Walker suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3, ending his 2022 season. After he quickly recovered, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was signed, leaving Walker’s position uncertain. Then, in Week 2, Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral, which forced the former team captain to return to the starting lineup. Walker was a healthy scratch for all three postseason games after playing only four defensive snaps in the final four regular season games of the previous campaign.
Walker would be completely cut this offseason, leaving behind dead money and potential cap savings based on whether he was designated before or after June 1. Given that the Lions lack a clear starting position for him and that his $12.8 million salary charge is high for a backup or potential special teamer, he definitely has some trade value.
However, if the Lions want to restructure, they may retain Walker until the end of his deal and save up some cap room.
RAGNOR C FRANK:
Ragnow has already dispelled any uncertainty over his plans for the upcoming season, as his remarks the day after the NFC Championship Game sparked some rumors that he could retire. After recovering from all the injuries he sustained during the previous season, Ragnow will undoubtedly go fishing before returning to his job. He might hang up his bat a little bit sooner than many players of his quality, but that’s a discussion for another time.
With three years remaining on his deal, Ragnow won’t have any more cap hits than those for 2023. Similar to Fox, having that much remaining on his contract facilitates a restructure and helps avoid future cap headaches.
SUTTON CB CAMERON:
Sutton’s first season as a Lion was, at best, quite insignificant—he recorded one interception and nine pass breakups in 20 games, including playoffs. Even considering that he was up against a rare group of exceptionally talented wide receivers towards the end of the season, at worst he was dreadful. Sutton signed a three-year contract last offseason, and while some Lions fans might prefer it if he left after just one season, that is not going to happen for the reasons listed below. It’s also important to consider whether his late-season incompetence was influenced by a toe injury that almost prevented him from playing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. Let’s give him some leeway, even if he wasn’t later listed on the injury report—not as an excuse.
However, Sutton should be open to a contract restructuring that reduces his $12.68 million 2024 cap charge this offseason.
