There are four Detroit Lions players whose contracts will probably be reworked this spring.
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.
Regardless of the source—Over The Cap ($46.1 million) or Spotrac ($48.1 million)—the Lions now rank among the top 10 teams in the NFL in terms of cap space for 2024. 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 likelihood of having their contracts reworked this spring in terms of restructures.
4. Jack Fox P
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% this past season.
With Fox’s contract expiring in 2026, the Lions have the option to restructure him this summer.
