Detroit Lions Face Crucial Offseason Decisions After Historic 2024 Season

A Record-Breaking Regular Season Ends in Disappointment

The Detroit Lions might have had their best season in franchise history in 2024. While it may seem surprising to call it their best season when they failed to return to the NFC Championship, the numbers support the claim. The Lions finished the regular season with an impressive 15-2 record—three games better than any prior season. They also secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history.

Unfortunately, their playoff journey was cut short in the first round by the Washington Commanders. A series of defensive injuries ultimately caught up with them at the worst possible time, leading to a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar campaign.

Preparing for the Offseason

With the season behind them, the Lions now shift their focus to the offseason and how to address key issues. Thankfully, they have plenty of resources to work with.

Detroit enters the offseason with approximately $45 million in cap space. This provides ample flexibility to make necessary additions in free agency. However, key players such as Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph are due for extensions, meaning the team must be strategic in its spending.

The Lions also hold seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including the 28th overall selection. While this is a strong starting point, the team will need additional cap space to extend key players and bring in fresh talent. This reality may force Detroit to make some difficult roster decisions regarding aging players.

Below, we examine three Lions players who could become cut candidates during the 2025 NFL offseason.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin: A Tough But Necessary Decision

Jalen Reeves-Maybin has been a valued member of the Lions since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has survived coaching changes and even left for Houston in free agency before returning to Detroit. Known for his special teams prowess, Reeves-Maybin provides depth at linebacker but is not a primary defensive contributor.

At 30 years old and entering his ninth NFL season, Reeves-Maybin is a candidate for release due to his replaceability. As a special teams ace, his skill set is valuable but not irreplaceable. If Detroit releases him before June 1st, they would save $1.9 million in cap space. While this move would incur some dead money, none of it would carry into 2026.

The Lions can find a younger, cheaper special teams player through the draft or free agency. Given their financial priorities, moving on from Reeves-Maybin makes financial sense.

Graham Glasgow: End of the Road in Detroit?

Graham Glasgow is another player with a long history in Detroit. Originally drafted by the Lions, he left for Denver before returning under Dan Campbell. Last offseason, the Lions signed him to a three-year, $20 million contract. However, his 2024 season at left guard was underwhelming, and he struggled to maintain a high level of play.

At 33 years old, Glasgow’s best years may be behind him. The emergence of rookie Christian Mahogany as a capable starter further complicates his situation. There is an argument for keeping Glasgow as an experienced backup, but if the Lions need an additional $2 million in cap space, he could be a casualty.

Za’Darius Smith: A Financially Motivated Cut?

One of the more surprising names on this list is Za’Darius Smith. The Lions acquired Smith at the trade deadline in 2024, hoping he could provide much-needed reinforcement for a defensive line missing Aidan Hutchinson.

Smith delivered four sacks and several key pressures in the latter half of the season. Fans were excited about his potential impact alongside Hutchinson in 2025. However, his contract structure—originally from Cleveland—makes him a likely cut candidate.

The Browns added a void year to Smith’s deal, spreading out his signing bonus. While Detroit is not responsible for that portion, the contract still carries a significant cap hit. If the Lions release Smith before June 1st, they would free up $5.7 million in cap space with no dead money. Additionally, they would save another $5.2 million in 2026.

If Smith remains in Detroit, it will likely be on a restructured deal rather than his current contract.

Final Thoughts: Tough Calls Ahead for Detroit

The Lions are in a strong position heading into the 2025 offseason, but they must be strategic with their roster decisions. Reeves-Maybin, Glasgow, and Smith all contributed in 2024, but financial constraints and roster depth could make them expendable.

Detroit’s front office faces a challenging balancing act—retaining key players while ensuring they have the financial flexibility to improve in critical areas. The moves they make in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether they can build on their historic 2024 season and take the next step toward a Super Bowl.