Pro Football Network released its breakdown of the top cut candidates of the 2025 offseason on Sunday, including some suggestions for the Detroit Lions.
The Lions aren’t particularly hurting for cap space for the time being, but there are still some players on the roster who they could decide to let go to make some room for a particularly large signing down the road. Top cut candidates typically have little-to-no cap hit implications and aren’t owed much money for the remainder of their respective contracts.
PFN’s list recognized the Lions’ cap flexibility at this point as a disclaimer before diving into their cut candidates.
DJ Reader – Defensive Tackle
- 2025 Cap Number: $12.9 million
- Cap Saving: $8.0 million (pre-June 1) or $11.7 million (post-June 1)
DJ Reader played more than most Lions defenders in 2024-25, appearing in 15 games. However, Reader only managed 23 tackles and three sacks for all that time.
He’s certainly someone the Lions could hold onto if they believe he would excel on a presumably healthier version of this defense, but if the situation calls for shedding some salary, it could be an easy move to make.
Other cut candidates include the following:
Kalif Raymond – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
- 2025 Cap Number: $6.4 million
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Cap Saving: $3.3 million (pre-June-1), or
$4.8 million (post-June-1)
Kalif Raymond has become a fan favorite in Detroit as is customary with the undersized, fairly successful kick returner.
However, Raymond’s overall productivity could be cheaply replaced if the team felt like clearing a small amount of cap space in 2025.
Za’Darius Smith – EDGE
- 2025 Cap: $5.7 million
- Cap Saving: $5.7 million
Despite what felt like the trade every Lions fan asked for, the acquisition of Za’Darius Smith merely helped the team tread water rather than put them back near where Aiden Hutchinson had their ceiling early in the season.
Smith, 32, performed well but looked every bit his age at times, as he isn’t much of a game-breaker like his position demands. He and the rest of the defensive line were borderline nonexistent in the Lions’ loss to the Commanders, which ended their season.
He’s a solid veteran who could be asked to stick around, but it wouldn’t cost much to let him go.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin – Linebacker
- 2025 Cap: $4.6 million
- Cap Saving: $1.9 million
When healthy, the Lions are relatively deep at linebacker. Jalen Reeves-Maybin fell behind Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone and started to fall behind Malcolm Rodriguez before injuries started shaking things up.
Reeves-Maybin received Second Team All-Pro Honors in 2023 but followed that up with a below-average performance overall in 2024. Pro Football Focus ranked him 131st at his position this season, making him an easier cut this season should cuts actually be a conversation at some point.
