The Detroit Lions will have a ton of questions to answer this offseason after suffering an ugly divisional round defeat to the Washington Commanders. General manager Brad Holmes must find a way to bolster a roster that fell flat in the playoffs and may have to make some tough decisions along the way.
The Lions are projected to have around $46.8 million in cap space this offseason, per Over the Cap. Though Detroit has plenty of money to make acquisitions in free agency, the team could look to create more cap room by cutting players.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes one potential cut candidate for the Lions is cornerback Amik Robertson, who signed a two-year deal worth $9.2 million with Detroit last offseason.
“The Lions’ pile of cornerback injuries has given Amik Robertson the chance to shine as a cornerback who can play on the inside and outside,” Knox wrote.
“The offseason will give the Lions a chance to re-evaluate the whole position group, though. Carlton Davis is set to become a free agent, and the Lions have young talents in Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. It’s possible the Lions may see the $4.8 million they could clear by cutting Robertson as worth dropping the defensive back,” Knox added.
Robertson started four games for Detroit during the regular season and allowed just a 56.9% completion rate on 79 targets. The veteran suffered a broken humerus during the first quarter of the team’s playoff loss to the Commanders but is expected to be ready for offseason workouts.
As Knox wrote, the Lions would save around $4.8 million in cap space and endure just $1.65 million in dead money if they cut Robertson at any time this offseason, per Over the Cap.
Though saving around $5 million in cap room by letting Robertson go seems like a no-brainer, Brad Holmes should consider keeping the 26-year-old. Robertson proved to be a valuable depth piece this season and a key leader in the locker room.
Detroit should find other ways to save money this offseason and bring back Robertson for the 2025 season.
