Potential Cap Casualties Lions Should Target
The Detroit Lions have plenty of areas to improve, if they wish to contend for the postseason in 2023.
A 9-8 finish in 2022 left fans hungry for the future, and adding talent through free agency may be the best way for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes to take the team to the next level.
Though the free-agent market is set to be busy, there will be surprise additions throughout the offseason. Every year, teams are forced to make players “cap casualties,” or cuts that allow the team to save money.
Here are four potential cap casualties that the Lions could target, should they hit the open market.
CB Shaquill Griffin, Jacksonville Jaguars
Griffin is set to cost the Jaguars a cool $17.14 million, in the form of a cap hit. But, the team would only take on $4 million in dead money, if it chooses to release him. As a result, he could hit the market heading into the offseason.
Adding a player like Griffin makes plenty of sense for the Lions, which lack plenty at the cornerback position. Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs showed spurts of skill, but the team lacks a true top option in the position group.
More: Jamaal Williams Says Lions Are Winning NFC North in 2023
Griffin had injury issues in 2022, playing just five games before suffering a season-ending injury. He hasn’t recorded an interception in either of the last two seasons, but managed four passes defensed in his brief 2022 campaign.
Though his big-play abilities have been limited since he left Seattle for Jacksonville in 2021, a defensive coordinator like Aaron Glenn, who was an NFL defensive back himself, could be the individual to bring the best out of Griffin.
The Lions need an upgrade at corner if they wish to contain the likes of Justin Jefferson within their own division. A player like Griffin may be the perfect fit.
LB Shaq Thompson, Carolina Panthers
Thompson has been a mainstay on Carolina’s defense since being drafted in the first round in 2015. This past season, he played in each of the team’s 17 games.
Thompson could stick around through the remainder of his contract, which expires in 2024. But, his cap number may be too high to justify keeping. The Panthers could save $13.2 million by cutting him.
If he hits the market, the Lions would be wise to pounce. Malcolm Rodriguez proved to be very promising, but fellow starter Alex Anzalone is a free agent. Thompson would be a solid, experienced addition to coach Kelvin Sheppard’s linebackers room.
Thompson is coming off a career-best season, with 135 tackles. And, he still has plenty of value heading into his age-29 season. If Carolina elects to part ways with the veteran, Detroit could come calling.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
TE Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
After the T.J. Hockenson trade, the Lions were forced to rely on three young tight ends to get them through the remainder of 2022. Though all three emerged as reliable and productive targets, Detroit could add more production in Everett.
The Chargers’ veteran tight end has produced modest numbers in six professional seasons. He spent four years with the Rams, before one season each with Seattle and most recently, the Chargers.
Working with young quarterback Justin Herbert, Everett posted career-best marks in receptions (58) and receiving yards (555), while recording four touchdowns.
The Chargers would save $4.25 million by parting ways with Everett. He could give Detroit a veteran presence in an otherwise young tight ends room, while also providing legitimate pass-catching ability.
He worked well in Los Angeles as a supplemental option to receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. So, it’s reasonable to think he could do the same in Detroit, working alongside the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
C/OG Coleman Shelton, Los Angeles Rams
If released, Shelton would incur a minimal cap penalty of $250,000, while allowing the Rams an extra $2 million in cap savings. He could be a cheap addition for the Lions, adding depth on the team's offensive line.
Detroit had issues at the right guard position in 2022, as Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s season-ending injury created a sort of revolving door at the position. Evan Brown established himself as the starter, but Kayode Awosika, Dan Skipper and Logan Stenberg all struggled in their opportunities.
At the very least, Shelton would give the team depth, and create more competition at the position. A center by trade, he was able to fill a variety of roles created due to injuries with the Rams in 2022.
As Detroit ponders its future at the only current position of concern along the offensive line, Shelton could bring some clarity, should he hit the open market.
