Roster cuts can be cruel and for the Detroit Lions, training camp 2019 will provide for some tough competition for roster spots. Money matters.
The Detroit Lions are trying to challenge for the NFC North title right now. They have two Pro Bowl caliber players holding out for new contracts. Even with twenty-three million in cap space, which players are probably on the bubble due to their cost as much as anything else? Let’s discuss it here in this installment of Kick In the Crotch Weekly.
Coming into camp, which starts July 25th, the Lions have better depth at many positions and will have some tough choices to make entering the regular season. We often decry the business mentality of NFL franchises, favoring loyalty to players and their past efforts to the “what have you done for me lately” reality of winning football games. Like it or not, football teams can move on from any player that they believe isn’t producing at least as much as the contract they signed implies they should.
What follows is a list of players who may become what is known as a cap casualty, or player released for monetary reasons more so than an inability to play effectively.
Looking at the Detroit Lions salaries, link via Over The Cap, we can see all of the amounts in order. When we read down the list, some names jump out. A few factors need to be considered as you read the list.
Is this player a starter?
If not, what is his position on the depth chart?
Is this a player with a specific skill that cannot be replicated by other players?
Is there another player who offers similar production or skills that is slated to earn significantly less money, starter or not?