So sad: The Head Coach of the Detriot Lions regrets signing these three contracts, which are…

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 “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.

1. CB Cameron Sutton

Sutton’s three-year contract, suiting his easily acclaimed role as the Lions’ top cornerback to shut down the opposition’s best wide receiver, was the first move in the team’s offseason secondary overhaul.

That was not the case. The Lions’ pass defense was a noticeable weakness, as Sutton had just one interception the entire season—including in the playoffs. He was also frequently out of position to make plays with the ball. He did almost miss a game late in the regular season due to a toe problem, so there’s a chance that a hidden injury is to blame. Another possible reason for his subpar performance was the schematic decisions made by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Ultimately, though, Sutton’s first season as a Lion was far from exceptional.

Sutton’s contract structure resulted in a low cap hit of $3.28 million for 2023, with corresponding cap hits of $12.68 million for the final two years of the agreement. This also means that there’s a good chance he won’t be leaving this offseason, as dead money would outweigh any cap savings from splitting. Not to mention, after a difficult season, his nonexistent trade value.

It would be simpler for the Lions to split ways in 2025 if Sutton suffered once more the following season. Additionally, he will have two vacant years in 2026 and 2027, with small amounts of dead money and cap hits remaining.

Next season, Sutton will have an opportunity to turn around all of the unfavorable stories that have been written about him. However, his contract is enforceable until and unless he fulfills it.

2. Tracy S. Walker

After the 2023 season, Walker was no longer a factor for the Lions. He recovered quickly from an Achilles tendon tear early in the 2022 campaign, but C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s signing cost him his starting position. The former team captain returned to the starting lineup after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.

Walker then experienced some highs and lows, as was to be expected following a serious injury. From Week 14 onward, Ifeatu Melinfonwu took his place in the starting lineup and performed admirably. Walker was a healthy scratch for all three of the playoff games and played very little as the regular season came to an end.

Walker now has the third-highest 2024 cap figure ($12.82 million) among the Lions. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, it is conceivable to renegotiate his deal to keep him around, but it won’t affect the reality that he is far down the depth chart.

A reduction made after June 1st would still result in $4.8 million in dead money. Even if Walker were to be traded, the Lions would still be out of pocket. Walker might be of interest to other teams.

Walker’s contract is about to expire, which is good news for the Lions overall. But it’s evident how much money he’ll be carrying this offseason, whatever transpires. In 2025, he will also have an empty year, which will cost him $2.5 million in dead money.

3. After hours, Decker Taylor

Let me say up front that this is really stretching. In the last year of his contract, Decker now has 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. Presumably, both of them share the desire for him to play as a lion for the duration of his career.

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 toward 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.