As things currently stand, 16 Detroit Lions players could become unrestricted free agents after the 2023 season if they do not reach a new contract with the Lions. This eclectic group, which includes both battle-hardened leaders and rising stars, is about to make critical career decisions. Their contributions to the season thus far, as well as the team’s strategy for the future, will largely affect whether they continue to wear the Lions’ Honolulu Blue and Silver or suit up elsewhere in the NFL.
Which Detroit Lions Could Become Free Agents?
Here is a list of the 16 Lions who will become free agents at the conclusion of the season if they do not agree to a deal to stay in Detroit. (Via Over The Cap)
| Player | Pos. | Age | Current APY | Guarantees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Harris | EDGE | 29 | $3,500,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Jr. | S | 27 | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Emmanuel Moseley | CB | 28 | $6,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Halapoulivaati Vaitai | RG | 31 | $3,500,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Romeo Okwara | EDGE | 29 | $2,500,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | QB | 32 | $3,000,000 | $2,550,000 |
| Dan Skipper | LT | 30 | $1,010,000 | $0 |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | 25 | $870,402 | $186,608 |
| Jalen Reeves-Maybin | LB | 29 | $1,750,000 | $500,000 |
| Jason Cabinda | FB | 28 | $2,050,000 | $2,035,000 |
| Jonah Jackson | LG | 27 | $1,187,202 | $1,048,564 |
| Josh Reynolds | WR | 29 | $3,000,000 | $2,700,000 |
| Julian Okwara | EDGE | 27 | $1,232,835 | $1,146,428 |
| Matt Nelson | LT | 29 | $1,300,000 | $150,000 |
| Nate Sudfeld | QB | 31 | $1,600,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Will Harris | S | 29 | $2,582,500 | $2,582,500 |
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
Retaining key players will be critical to sustaining team cohesion and leadership, while the departure of others may open the way to new talent and strategy moves. The Lions’ management must balance the expenses and rewards of wage cap management and team building, balancing the value of experience against the promise of emerging stars.
