5 updated moves the Lions can make to clear over $46 million in cap space before free agency
2. Restructure Frank Ragnow and free up $4.58 million
After the Lions' NFC Championship Game loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Ragnow invited a bit of speculation he could retire this offseason. Less than two weeks later, at NFL Honors in Las Vegas (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press), the three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second Team All-Pro but any speculation about his immediate playing future firmly to bed.
"I’m not retiring,” Ragnow said. "I just need a few weeks to get healthy,” he said. “I guess my typical offseason routine is kind of get right back into it...... I just need some time to make sure I’m healthy and then we’ll get rolling again."
The litany of injuries Ragnow dealt with last season, which is something right out of a game of "Operation", would have anyone questioning if they want to keep playing after a tough loss one game shy of the Super Bowl.
Will Ragnow play deep into his 30s? Probably not, but it would be a surprise if he didn't at least play out his contract.
That's where the door to a contract restructured gets easily opened. Ragnow has three years left on his deal (through 2026), and there's no more fully guaranteed salary after 2024. So there's room to move some money around.
Restructuring Ragnow would clear $4,583,333 million in cap space. So let's call it $4.58 million.