NFL free agency is less than two weeks away, and the Detroit Lions just freed up some salary and roster spot by releasing linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, according to insider Tom Pelissero. The Lions already had around $52.6 million in open cap space, per Spotrac, and now Reeves-Maybin's release will add $1.8. million to that total.
The veteran defender's release was necessary to help the Lions prepare for free agency, however, that doesn't mean they're done chopping contracts. General manager Brad Holmes has several other players he could put on the chopping block in the coming days, including a pass rusher who began the NFL offseason on thin ice.
Lions Must Place Za'Darius Smith on Chopping Block After Jalen Reeves-Maybin Release
Za'Darius Smith is one Lion whose future in the Motor City is up in the air this offseason. The three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher signed a two-year extension with the Cleveland Browns last March but was moved to the Lions ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, leaving him on next season's roster with a $4 million cap hit.
Although that's far from a massive cap number, Smith's time with the Lions could end shortly based on his failure to meet expectations.
The former Kentucky Wildcat left much to be desired following the deadline deal. Smith only mustered up seven solo tackles and 4.0 sacks in eight games with the Lions, which is fairly disappointing given that he tallied 15 and 5.0, respectively, in nine appearances with the Browns.
Any Detroit fan who hoped that Smith would reverse course in the postseason was left disappointed. The Montgomery, AL native's performance was detrimental in the Lions' Division Round loss to the Washington Commanders, finishing with putrid tackling (24.8), run stoppage (27.9), and overall defense (39.8) on Pro Football Focus.
As proven as Smith is on the gridiron, his age (33) suggests that he won't improve going forward. The Lions would be smart to cut ties as soon as possible if they want to replace him with a younger option — especially with his being due just under $9 million in bonuses if he's still on Detroit's roster as of March 15.
Smith's entire $4 million cap hit will come off the books with a release, meaning there's no sense in the Lions waiting to make a decision. It's best to cut ties with the regressing defender now to have as much money as possible for free agency instead of praying for the off-chance that he bounces back in the fall.
The Lions will likely make their intentions regarding Smith (and any other chopping block candidates) before the 2025 NFL tampering period begins on Monday, March 10.