DONE DEAL: Three contracts are now confirm …
Although the Detroit Lions don’t currently have many poor contracts, these three do represent a problem.
The Detroit Lions currently have the eighth-most cap space in the NFL ($44.84 million), according to Over The Cap. There aren’t many large cap amounts or contracts on the books that might be referred to as a “albatross,” but they have added some notable dead money for 2024 based on contract void years that have now triggered.
That’s a testament to the efforts made by front office staff and general manager Brad Holmes. There is still opportunity to sign some strategic free agents this offseason, particularly to fill a few defensive end positions, since getting to the Super Bowl should be the top focus.
There aren’t many horrible contracts to choose from, but these three are the ones that the Lions are currently holding themselves back from.
The Detroit Lions are currently being held back by three contracts.
3. After hours Decker Taylor
Let me say up front that this is a really stretch. In the last year of his contract, Decker does now have the second-highest cap charge on the team for 2024 ($19.1 million).
This winter, an extension for the Lions’ left tackle appears quite likely, and it would undoubtedly be structured to lower that cap number for this year—possibly significantly. In addition, Decker has openly said that he has no intention of leaving. Without a doubt.
This summer, the Lions don’t need to make a big move to free up cap money. However, reaching an extension with Decker to reduce his 2024 cap charge would be a significant step towards that if they are planning a really significant acquisition, as much as it would go against Holmes’ wishes.
In light of this, any delay in the extension negotiations with Decker may have an effect on a big move down the road—assuming one is planned. There are a lot of “ifs” and similar statements made about this circumstance, which may or may not be related in the end. However, this digression just serves to highlight the Lions’ current fundamental disadvantage—a lack of contracts.
