Top 5 Possible Detroit Lions Cap Casualties
By Justin Simon
Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back
(33) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Ashlee Palmer (58) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Ashlee Palmer
Cap Charge: $1,583,334
Cap Savings: $1,250,000
With Kyle Van Noy entrenched as the opening day starter at outside linebacker, Palmer seems to be in no man’s land. His $1.5 million dollar cap number is high for a guy whose role will mostly be as a special teams ace in 2014. The Lions will probably only keep five linebackers on the roster so Palmer is definitely in a fight for his job.
Possible Replacement: Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis, or Brandon Hepburn
I think this comes down to simple numbers. Palmer makes too much money to be a fifth linebacker. I expect the real fight to come down to former late round picks Travis Lewis and Brandon Hepburn. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Lewis has great instincts but is limited physically, whereas Hepburn is raw, but has more talent and upside.