5 ways the Detroit Lions can use excess salary cap space: Potential pass rush help abounds.

The Detroit Lions enter this stage of the NFL offseason with a rare advantage—excess salary cap space. That’s not a situation many contending teams find themselves in. It’s the result of savvy front office management, wise drafting, and a commitment to building a sustainable, long-term contender. While the Lions have already taken significant steps forward with their roster construction, and expectations are at an all-time high for the franchise, this cap space gives them options that many playoff hopefuls can only dream of. The opportunity to reinforce key areas, add depth, or take a big swing at a missing piece is a luxury for Detroit. With a young core in place and stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell already locked up long term, Detroit’s decision-makers have freedom and flexibility in how they attack the remainder of the offseason. One area that demands special attention is the pass rush, where potential upgrades abound on the market. But that’s only one of several avenues the team could explore. The Lions aren’t in desperation mode; rather, they’re in a position to make calculated improvements that could be the difference between playoff presence and Super Bowl contention. There’s no need to rush into a move, but with the right additions, Detroit can insulate itself against injuries and raise its ceiling. When looking at where the Lions stand, the pass rush, secondary depth, veteran leadership, future salary flexibility, and potential trade opportunities all present compelling ways to use their cap space.

The pass rush remains the most obvious and immediate way to put the extra salary space to use. While Aidan Hutchinson has quickly become one of the NFL’s premier young edge defenders, and players like Alim McNeill and Josh Paschal have taken strides on the interior, the Lions still lack a truly threatening second edge rusher to consistently draw attention away from Hutchinson. The team was near the bottom of the league in pressure rate outside of Hutchinson in 2023, and that was evident in high-stakes games against top-tier quarterbacks. While Hutchinson led the team in sacks, the lack of a consistent threat opposite him meant opposing offenses could scheme to neutralize his impact. Free agents like Yannick Ngakoue, Carl Lawson, or even bringing back Charles Harris on a short-term deal could serve as worthwhile options. Ngakoue, despite not being an elite all-around defender, has posted at least eight sacks in multiple seasons and thrives as a situational pass rusher. His market is likely to be modest due to his declining run defense, but as a rotational player, he could add pop. Lawson, coming off a frustrating year with the Jets, still offers explosiveness off the edge when healthy and could be had at a team-friendly rate. Even veteran options like Emmanuel Ogbah or Jerry Hughes could add depth and rotational value without costing too much. Adding another threat off the edge could make life significantly easier for the secondary, particularly in late-game situations where closing out with a sack or pressure can define a season.

Another path the Lions could explore is shoring up their secondary depth. Although Detroit invested heavily in the defensive backfield during the offseason, including the trade for Carlton Davis and drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., the secondary remains a group that benefits immensely from experience and depth. Injuries are an inevitable part of a long NFL season, and the Lions learned that lesson the hard way in 2023. If Davis or one of the young rookies goes down, suddenly the defense could be leaning heavily on unproven or inconsistent players. Adding a veteran corner or safety to the mix could not only provide insurance but also serve as a mentor to a young unit filled with potential. Players like Steven Nelson, Adoree’ Jackson, or Marcus Peters could be considered. None are expected to demand a large payday, but each offers starting experience and the ability to step in on short notice. Nelson in particular was a reliable presence for the Texans last season and could thrive in a defense like Detroit’s, which leans on versatility and communication. There’s also the consideration of adding another versatile safety, especially in light of C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s departure. While Brian Branch is expected to take on more responsibility, another hybrid defender in the mold of a Kareem Jackson or Logan Ryan could prove beneficial. The secondary is one of the hardest positions to keep healthy over 17 games, and having capable depth could be the difference between a playoff win and an early exit.

The Lions also have the option to use their cap space to bring in proven veteran leadership on short-term deals to help elevate the locker room and round out the culture that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have so carefully cultivated. Detroit’s rise from the NFL basement has been fueled in part by its team-first mentality and blue-collar identity. Adding players with postseason experience and leadership chops could reinforce those values. Think of players like Calais Campbell, who remains a productive rotational lineman while also commanding immense respect for his off-field presence. Or perhaps a veteran linebacker like Kwon Alexander or Anthony Barr, who could not only provide quality depth behind Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone but also serve as mentors to the younger linebackers still growing into their roles. These are not headline-grabbing signings, but they bring cohesion, accountability, and know-how to a team looking to take the next step. Veteran presence becomes even more crucial when the pressure of expectation mounts, and Detroit is no longer the plucky underdog. With every analyst and fan expecting double-digit wins, experienced voices in the locker room could help the team navigate inevitable adversity and postseason challenges.

Detroit could also look at the longer-term picture and use its current cap space to absorb salary in a trade or front-load contract extensions for core players to preserve flexibility down the road. By proactively using space this year, the team can reduce future cap hits and set itself up to retain key players when their rookie deals expire. Players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Brian Branch may not be due extensions just yet, but planning ahead can provide leverage in negotiations and allow the team to keep the window open longer. Restructuring deals or even working on incentive-laden contracts with players who could outperform expectations in 2024 are ways to optimize resources. Additionally, Detroit could absorb the final year of an expensive veteran’s contract from a team looking to offload salary in exchange for draft capital. This is where Brad Holmes can get creative. If another team is cash-strapped and looking to unload a big salary, the Lions could swoop in, take on the financial hit, and improve their roster without giving up premium picks. This was a tactic used effectively by teams like the Browns in recent years, and with the right player, it could be a win-win scenario. For instance, a team with a surplus at wide receiver or interior defensive line could be a trade partner if Detroit is willing to eat salary that other teams cannot afford. The willingness to spend wisely now could yield long-term savings and a deeper, more balanced roster.

Finally, the Lions could use their cap space to aggressively pursue a trade for a high-impact pass rusher or defensive tackle who may not be widely available but could be pried loose for the right price. Every year, surprise trades shake up the league, and often it’s the teams with cap room that are able to execute such moves. While names like Brian Burns or Chase Young were once rumored to be available, players like Josh Allen in Jacksonville or Danielle Hunter in Houston now seem entrenched with their teams. However, a lesser-known or underused edge rusher could emerge as a trade target closer to training camp. For example, if a team changes schemes or drafts a replacement, an edge defender with a high ceiling but limited opportunity could be moved. Detroit has shown a willingness to make bold trades, and if the right player becomes available, they have the assets and the cap space to get it done. The trade market is where bold contenders separate themselves from good teams. The Lions are no longer just trying to win the NFC North—they’re trying to win the NFC. That requires matching up with the likes of the 49ers and Eagles in the trenches. If an elite disruptor becomes available, Detroit should be ready to pounce. By maintaining cap flexibility and scouting the league thoroughly, the Lions can position themselves to strike when the opportunity arises.

The Lions’ approach to this cap space must remain grounded in the long-term health of the franchise while also acknowledging the rare position they now occupy. Being good and being deep are two different things in the NFL. Cap space, if used smartly, can be the bridge between the two. Brad Holmes has shown an ability to operate with restraint and vision. Rather than swinging wildly in free agency, the Lions have built methodically, drafting well and spending where necessary. But this cap surplus gives them a cushion to be aggressive if the right move presents itself. Whether it’s adding rotational pass rush help, investing in the secondary, bringing in veteran leadership, setting up long-term contract structures, or pulling off a surprise trade, Detroit has the means to make a move. The team doesn’t have many holes, but in the NFL, where attrition and unpredictability define seasons, being overly prepared is a virtue. The cap space they hold now is a weapon. Used wisely, it could elevate them from a playoff team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender. There’s no need for panic or urgency, but there is an opportunity to solidify every part of the roster with talent, experience, and foresight. The Lions have the culture, the coaching, and the quarterback. Now they have the financial firepower to ensure no piece is missing come January.