Open Rants by comradpoko

So it has been brought to my attention that the Lions have some cap space to play with, but not many realize that we should have a lot more once a few moves are made. I expect numerous players to be cut this year in favor of a new, younger and sleeker team that should allow this team to contend in free agency and retain players over the next few seasons.

First on the list is Teez Tabor, the second round pick who would have been a steal, IF, he had any speed. He has been benched in favor of Mike Ford, an undrafted free agent. It will only save ~$500k this year and $1.5 mil next year. Better to save 2 million and get a depth player than have a Cornerback with a blazing 40 speed of 4.7.

Next is T.J. Lang. The great right guard is still playing like he is payed, but no matter how talented you are, the best ability is availability. In the past two seasons he has missed 13 games, while being out for several quarters of others. As great of a player as he is, he has lost the ability to stay healthy, so he will most likely go, saving the lions $8.8 Million on the cap.

Third is Nevin Lawson. If you ever watch the Lions, you will have seen a football some two miles an hour to number 24 and somehow drops it. It is insane that in 5 years of playing this sport, 4 of which starting most and playing in most games, he has never had a single interception. Not to mention that he is good for a penalty almost every single game. I was absolutely shocked that he came back and I will not be sad when his leave frees up $4.1 Million in Cap space.

This last one is a little hurtful to me, as he played well in 2017, but was almost invisible in 2018. Glover Quin was a dominant player, getting multiple interceptions in a year, deflected a few and would force some fumbles. But now he just looked like he lost a step with age. This upcoming season he will be 33 and lose some more of his speed, while counting as a little under $8 million against the cap. It will be sad to see him go, but the $6.25 Million we will save will be of better use than the 8 we would be spending on him.

If the Lions did all of this, they would save $19.65 million on their salary cap, and have $57.25 Million Cap Space this upcoming off season. This would allow us to retain a bunch of good players on the roster that still have stuff to offer us while being able to shop around the Free agent market. I don’t think we will do the Ansah deal, but it’s worth a shot. The total money we would have after resigning the players I think we should resign would be $37.6 million and $42.6 million if we don’t resign Ansah. The players I would resign are:

Ziggy Ansah: 1 year, 5 million prove it deal, because if he can be healthy, he is definitely worth a ridiculous chunk of change. I don’t see this actually happening, but there wouldn’t be much risk in it either. Plus, some other desperate team will probably lock him up for 4 years to only play at max 16 games for them.

Don Muhlbach: 1 year 1.2 million. Most reliable Long Snapper ever.

Ricky Jean Francois: 1 year, 2 million or 2 years for 3.8. Positive Locker Room person and helps teach the young guys. Also good depth at the position

Eli Harold: 2 years, 3.5 million. Good depth and rotational player.

Zach Zenner: 3 years, 8 Million. People may be upset at this one, but he has played great in 2018 when the Lions used him. Legarrette Blount is gone, so we will need an additional running back that can pound the rock so Kerryon Johnson can stay Fresh.

Levine Toilolo: 2 years, 4 Million. It’s more than he is getting now and he is a great blocker that can catch. I wouldn’t be opposed to even go up to 6 Million for the help he brings to this offense.

Deshawn Shead: 1 year, 2 Million. Good Depth at a position we just got rid of two guys. ( according the this).

Romeo Okwara: 3 years, 9 Million. I personally believe this kid has some good upside and that this year was not a fluke. Ansah was hurt most of the year and as such, Okawara had to become the number 1 on the depth chart. For not having anyone on the other side of him to play with, he put up pretty nice numbers. Get the 3 year deal in, so when he does prove that it wasn’t a fluke, he won't be worth 7-8 million a year, and if it doesn’t, 3 million is not much against the cap for some good depth at a key position. I would be willing to go 12 million as well. I know we could get him dirt cheap for another year since he is still a restricted free agent, but I think we need to lock him up now before he gets unrestricted and demands money.