Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have a pivotal offseason ahead of them. After a disastrous season that resulted in missing the playoffs, the Lions must bolster both sides of the ball to fulfill their Super Bowl aspirations, using free agency and the 2026 NFL draft to do so.
According to Spotrac, the Lions are currently projected to have just $9.1 million in cap space, leaving them with little financial flexibility to make moves. To create some cap space to bring in meaningful upgrades, Holmes and Campbell may have to take a page out of the Miami Dolphins’ book by parting ways with some key contributors.
With a new regime taking over, the Dolphins released star wideout Tyreek Hill and linebacker Bradley Chubb on Monday. Now that free agency is opening in less than three weeks, it wouldn't be surprising if other franchises followed suit soon.
Since the Lions have numerous areas of need, one name they should seriously consider releasing is offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.Â
Graham Glasgow Is a Potential Lions Cut Candidate
Although the Lions may face some criticism from fans for releasing Glasgow, it’s time for the franchise to move on from him. Glasgow, who’ll be 34 at the start of next season, has displayed clear signs of regression in the last two seasons.Â
As the starting left guard and center, Glasgow allowed a combined six sacks and 64 pressures, drawing nine penalties across 31 games since 2014, per Pro Football Focus. Not only did Glasgow struggle against the pass, but he also wasn’t effective in the run, earning a 54.3 run blocking gradelast season.
Glasgow signed a three-year, $20 million extension in 2024, and although he’s playing at the level on his contract, the money could be better spent elsewhere.Â
Releasing Glasgow before March 13 would save the Lions roughly $5.6 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Those savings then climb to $7 million with a June 1 release designation. Even though they would benefit more by releasing him later, it would be best for the Lions to release Glasgow before free agency, allowing them to use the savings to sign an impactful player. Â
One area that they desperately need to upgrade is the secondary. The Lions’ secondary was depleted with injuries last year and was among the worst teams against the pass, ranking 30th in air yards allowed (2,558) and 28th in yards per catch (11.8)
With Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph’s timetable for return unknown, they could sign safety Ifeatu Melifonwu with the savings. While the Lions would be losing a great leader and an even better teammate, they would be just fine without him.Â
Offensive linemen Tate Ratledge should be the leading candidate to replace Glasgow at center, considering he spent significant time playing at the position in the summer. Although he struggled with inconsistencies, he should be fine at center.
If not, the Lions could either turn to unproven veterans Christian Mahogany or Giovanni Manu. Regardless, Holmes and Campbell have some difficult decisions to make, and they could get the ball rolling by splitting from Glasgow in the coming weeks.