Detroit Lions news: Ben Johnson, Sam LaPorta, a popular draft fit, the Super Bowl window
- Ben Johnson gets lofty place among NFL play-callers
- Sam LaPorta unseats Travis Kelce...
- A popular draft fit getting more buzz
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Here are some additional news notes around the Lions right now.
After Tuesday's release of veteran safety Tracy Walker, the Lions now have $50.3 million in salary cap space (still eighth-most in the league, via Over The Cap). Their dead money balance for 2024, with $7.3 million in dead money attached to Walker's pre-June 1 release to go with the $5.5 million in cap savings, is also now up to a little over $23 million.
As expected and obvious, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (subscription required) has noted that contract extensions for Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell are on the Lions' radar this offseason, with Goff as something of a priority. Fowler added how the extensions for St. Brown and Sewell could impact the budget to keep guard Jonah Jackson.
Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac naturally added Taylor Decker, who's entering the final year of his contract, to the Lions' extension docket this offseason.
S Tracy Walker's release frees up $5.5M of cap space for the #Lions, who now carry $50M+.
β Spotrac (@spotrac) February 21, 2024
In addition to adding key pieces this offseason, the Lions will likely focus on long-term extensions for QB Jared Goff, LT Taylor Decker, & WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.https://t.co/cuqScvyxNq
New Lions' edge rusher Mathieu Betts, the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player after tallying 18 sacks for the BC Lions last season, talked about his opportunity in Detroit.
βI want to be able to help Detroit win as many football games as possible.β
β Matt Broder (@mattbro21) February 21, 2024
Newest #Lions edge rusher Matthieu Betts tells the @DonnieandDhali show how he can help the defense πͺ pic.twitter.com/9RwIUsF64M
βI felt like the chemistry was right with Detroit, and I felt like they had a plan for me.β - #Lions new edge rusher Mathieu Betts.
β Matt Broder (@mattbro21) February 21, 2024
The reigning CFL Most Outstanding Defender turned down multiple NFL teams to sign with the Lions pic.twitter.com/2wX8B6KZ1u
Former Lions' safety Brock Marion is on the coaching staff of the UFL's Michigan Panthers for 2024. Marion played his final NFL season, 2004, in Detroit.
The UFL's Michigan Panthers announced their 2024 coaching staff and one of the newest additions is ex-Detroit Lions safety Brock Marion.
β Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) February 21, 2024
Marion, who is a two-time Super Bowl champ (Cowboys) and three-time Pro Bowler (Dolphins) played his final NFL season (2004) with the Lions. pic.twitter.com/uAgOfTihv0
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Next. 3 Detroit Lions who can safely be called busts after the 2023 season. 3 Detroit Lions who can safely be called busts after the 2023 season. dark