Lions Restructure Contract of Tracy Walker, Add Cap Space

Detroit Lions have added additional salary-cap space.

John Maakaron | Mar 14, 2023

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Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker has been actively rehabbing a torn Achilles.

Against the division rival Minnesota Vikings, Walker suffered a season-ending leg injury on the road that derailed his 2022 season, his first campaign after signing a long-term contract extension.

Ahead of the official start of free agency, the team added additional salary-cap space by reworking the talented safety's contract.

By converting a portion of Walker's base salary into a prorated bonus, the team adds nearly $5 million in cap space.

Cap space created via contract restructures, a short 🧵:

* The Saints reworked RB Alvin Kamara, CB Marshon Lattimore, DE Cam Jordan's deals for $29.201M

* The 49ers reworked CB Charvarious Ward's deal for $9.984M

* The Lions reworked S Tracy Walker's deal for $5M
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2023

Walker had a large cap hit of nearly $11.4 million heading into 2023. Now, the hit is less than $7.5 million.

While recovering from a severe injury, Walker now has added job security. It is now more difficult for the team to move on from the 28-year-old.

"Look, losing Tracy hurts," Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed, after it was confirmed the defensive back was lost for the entire 2022 season. "Since I walked in the door last year, he's been all in. And, he's one of our team captains this year. Nobody has put in more work than he has since the spring. He is one of the smartest players we have on defense. That's huge. And he's productive. And so, you're losing a big cog in the piece that helps you over there. It'll hurt."

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Published Mar 14, 2023

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!