Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions front office are facing their most challenging spring yet. With multiple high-cost extensions looming amid a salary cap that’s already stretched beyond the limit, Holmes is scrambling to create additional cap space. While juggling free agent priorities, the Lions’ front office is reviewing all options. One strategy is restructuring the contracts of Jared Goff, Alim McNeill, and Penei Sewell by converting their base salaries into more cap-friendly signing bonuses.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Holmes emphasized the importance of making the best decisions for the team while remaining within the appropriate financial window.
Detroit’s Lions Salary Cap Dilemma, Juggling Free Agent Priorities
According to Over The Cap, and currently ranked as the fifth-worst NFL team for 2026 cap space , Detroit is projected to be $8.53 million over the cap. With over 40 Lions currently listed as NFL free agents, tough decisions must be made.
It’s a delicate juggling act to prioritize players the team can afford to retain, while sacrificing those whose market price is simply out of reach. However, even replenishing cash reserves by restructuring premium player contracts won’t be sufficient to retain all of the team’s desired personnel. Then, the only other option is releasing veteran players who prove too costly to retain.
The Lions’ Salary Cap Dilemma
Fans who dream of Detroit acquiring premium outside talents, Maxx Crosby or Tyler Linderbaum, are doomed to disappointment. Instead, the team goal is to fill the roster ahead of the unrestricted free agency period with as many affordable key UFAs as possible. Once that’s been accomplished, the front office can plug the gaps through free agency and the draft.
Detroit’s list of 25 unrestricted free agents includes a total of 17 defensive players. Lions’ veterans who may be financially out of reach include premier talents, linebacker Alex Anzalone , and EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad. Both players are listed among the NFL’s most desirable free agents. Although the Lions would love to re-sign them, retaining both high-value players may not be possible. Even keeping one based on their current market value jeopardizes the team’s ability to retain other desirable players.
Two Current Lions Free Agents to Retain
In the past, Holmes has done an impressive job of filling the roster with quality talent while navigating the salary cap. Last year, he acquired several free agents with low-budget one-year contracts. Two players who’ve made a solid case to return are CB Rock Ya-Sin and DT Roy Lopez.
Previously profiled here , the case for re-signing Ya-Sin is strong. Finishing the year with 45 tackles (36 solo), nine pass defenses, and three pressures, Ya-Sin impressed Dan Campbell and the Lions coaching staff as a reliable, important piece of the Lions’ secondary.
Roy Lopez Makes His Case To Return
Lopez also proved to be a reliable, productive member of the Lions’ interior defense. Posting a 69.7 PFF grade on 425 snaps, he scored higher than either D.J. Reader (58/583 snaps) or Alim McNeill (60.6 524 snaps). He posted 30 tackles (11 solo), 2.0 sacks, one PDF, and 4.5 stuffs in a backup role. With McNeill missing the early part of the season, the former Arizona Cardinal also proved to be a durable, rugged member of the team, appearing in all 17 games.
Last year, his former Cardinals coach, Jonathan Gannon, said of Lopez , “He’s a phenomenal human being. He enjoys coming to work, and he gets better at his game. I’d love a bunch of Roys.”
Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard wasn’t familiar with Lopez until he heard about him from Hank Fraley and Frank Ragnow. Hearing from Ragnow that Lopez was one of the toughest nose tackles he’d ever faced was enough to convince him that Lopez had a role. Praising his first step quickness, his selfless nature, and immediate impact on the field, Sheppard’s now become a vocal advocate.
Final Thoughts
Lopez could be expensive to retain. His price tag last year was $3.6 million compared to Ya-Sin, who was signed for $1.038 million. With both players undoubtedly seeking a bump in salary, Ya-Sin looks like a bargain. However, Lopez might be less costly than other internal free agents. Nonetheless, based upon the salary cap juggling act that has become the Lions’ reality, the question becomes: what will be the best combination of players to fill the roster within the current salary cap?