Detroit Lions: 5 Burning Free Agency Questions

Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Lions general manager

duirng the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Will there be any more roster cuts?

While the Detroit Lions are nicely placed with $17.01 million in cap space available, general manager Martin Mayhew may wish to clear some more space if the Lions plan on being active in free agency.

The Lions don’t have a whole lot of options in regards to making major cap savings. There are a few, however.

Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end

(91) against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field. Lions defeated the Saints 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive end Jason Jones could save the Lions $3.20 million in cap space. It would seem an improbable move as the 28-year-old is a key starting player on the defensive line. With Suh heading for the exit and Nick Fairley a free agent, cutting Jones wouldn’t help the continuity of the defensive line and would leave another hole for the Lions to fill.

Releasing safety James Ihedigbo would save the Lions $1.63 million in cap space. The 31-year-old played in 13 games last season and made four interceptions. If Mayhew opted to select a defensive back in the draft, maybe he would see Ihedigbo as expendable.

Wide receiver Ryan Broyles may be the man to go. A second-round pick in 2012, he has failed to deliver for the Lions. Broyles has struggled to stay healthy in Detroit; he’s suffered a torn ACL and a ruptured Achilles tendon, and has featured in just 21 games out of a possible 48.

Cutting Broyles would free up $891,614 in cap space for the Lions. They may look to find a replacement in the draft.

Next: Making progress?