Detroit Lions mailbag: How much cap space do the Lions need for free agency?

CANTON, OHIO - JULY 31: Executive vice president & general manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on July 31, 2025 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Before I get into this week's Midweek Mailbag podcast, just wanted to share a word with the Pride of Detroit community. I've been having a lot of fun with our Office Hours chats in the comment section, and I want to continue those moving forward. Unfortunately, I've been sidetracked the past few weeks. Last week, it was the Drew Petzing interview. This week, I've been battling a cold/flu/COVID or something. Next week, I'll be at the NFL Combine. So look for our Office Hours chat to resume the week of March 2.

As for this week's Midweek Mailbag show, one of our biggest topics this week surrounded salary cap space. We know the Detroit Lions are currently projected to be over the 2026 salary cap. We also know that the Lions can (but won't) create $128 million in cap space from restructures and over $17 million in cap space if the Lions part ways with Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow.

But what we don't know is how much cap space the Lions should or will create.

The Lions may have a lot of starting holes to fill this offseason. That number could be upwards of seven players depending on the health and retirement of players. Though Detroit could very well fill those holes internally or via a few re-signings, the fact remains that the Lions could be seeking at least four or five starting-capable players in free agency. With only two top-100 picks in April's NFL Draft, the best way for the Lions to fill those roster holes will be to spend some money.

So how much contract restructuring will the Lions need to do to create ample space to get everything they want this offseason? And what will be the consequences if they do? Additionally, how much will they need to set aside for the draft class, contract extensions, and carry-over into the regular season?

Erik Schlitt and I break it all down on this week's Midweek Mailbag.

Other topics on this week's show:

• Reactions to Rod Wood's retirement and discussion on his replacement
• Do the Lions consider next year's draft class when picking players this year?
• OT or EDGE: Which position should be drafted first in the 2026 NFL Draft?
• Should the Lions bring back Ifeatu Melifonwu?
• Should the Lions move Tate Ratledge to center and sign a free agent guard? Or do the opposite?
• If the Lions moved, would you still be a fan?
• Who is our dream interview for the PODcast?

Listen to the show in the Spotify embed below, or on your favorite podcasting platform. And don't forget to rate and review!

You can also catch the podcast on our YouTube and Twitch pages, which features a ton of bonus Lions talk in between segments.