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3 Lions Who Must Be Cut This Offseason

If the Detroit Lions are looking to free up some money and roster spots this offseason, don't be surprised if these three players are cut in the coming months.

By Devon Platana

Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) stretches during warm-ups at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) stretches during warm-ups at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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2. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB/ST

Lions fans entered the 2024 season excited to see what Jalen Reeves-Maybin could do. The former Tennessee Volunteer was coming off an impressive 2023 campaign that culminated in his first-ever Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, raising expectations higher than ever.

Much to the fanbase's dismay, the veteran defender struggled to replicate that success.

A pesky neck injury held Reeves-Maybin to just 10 appearances during the regular season. Unsurprisingly, the nagging ailment limited the 29-year-old's upside as he finished Year 8 with just 10 solo tackles (missing 17.6% of attempts) and a forced fumble without any other notable statistics.

The uneventful season resulted in some of Reeves-Maybin's worst PFF grades, including when it came to pass rushing (48.4), run stopping (46.4), and tackling (42.7).

Given that he's turning 30 years old in a few days, there's a chance that Reeves-Maybin won't bounce back. If the Lions agree, they can open up $2 million in cap space by cutting him anytime before the 2025 campaign begins. That money can then be used on a healthier and more consistent contributor to replace the declining defender.

Lions fans will likely always have a soft spot for Reeves-Maybin, but it's beginning to look like his 2023 performance was an anomaly.

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