The Lions aren’t bracing for tough cap cuts this offseason — they’re preparing to make calculated choices from a position of strength.
The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 offseason in a familiar position: contenders with a strong core intact and enough financial flexibility to maneuver if needed. Despite looming extensions and veteran contracts on the books, Detroit is not facing a cap crunch. Instead, general manager Brad Holmes has several clear avenues to create space while keeping the roster competitive.
The most significant lever remains quarterback Jared Goff. Goff is entrenched as the Lions’ franchise signal-caller, and his contract is structured in a way that allows for easy restructuring. By converting a portion of his 2026 base salary into a signing bonus, Detroit could free up roughly $18–25 million in cap space. For a team firmly in its competitive window, this type of move is both common and low-risk, even if it pushes money into future seasons.
Another reliable option is along the offensive line. Right tackle Penei Sewell, one of the league’s premier linemen, is a long-term building block and an ideal restructure candidate. Adjusting his contract could generate an additional $6–10 million in cap relief without impacting Detroit’s future plans. The Lions have shown no hesitation in investing heavily in elite trench players, and Sewell fits that profile perfectly.
On the defensive side, Detroit has already taken care of its biggest priority. Aidan Hutchinson has been re-signed, removing any uncertainty at edge rusher and eliminating the need for cap maneuvering tied to his deal. With Hutchinson locked in, the Lions can focus on fine-tuning the roster rather than scrambling to retain cornerstone talent.
Veteran decisions will also play a major role. Left tackle Taylor Decker remains one of the most important names to watch. If Detroit chooses to move on, a standard release could save approximately $12–15 million against the 2026 cap. A retirement would provide even more relief, though it would leave a significant hole at a premium position. Decker has been a steady presence for years, but age and mileage could factor into the organization’s thinking.
Interior lineman Graham Glasgow is another potential pivot point. Should he retire, the Lions could open up $6–8 million in cap space. With younger linemen developing behind him, Detroit may feel comfortable absorbing the short-term loss in exchange for financial flexibility.
At running back, David Montgomery represents a tougher call. Cutting Montgomery would save around $6–7 million, but the decision would go beyond dollars and cents. While Jahmyr Gibbs is clearly the featured back, Montgomery’s physical style and locker-room presence have been valued by the coaching staff. Any move here would reflect philosophy as much as cap management.
Detroit could also explore an early extension for Jahmyr Gibbs, potentially smoothing future cap hits while locking in a foundational offensive playmaker.
When all options are considered, the Lions could realistically create anywhere from $25 million to more than $60 million in cap space, depending on how aggressive they choose to be. The key takeaway is that Detroit is not being forced into difficult decisions. Instead, the Lions have flexibility, control and a clear plan — a sign of a franchise that has moved from rebuilding to sustaining success.