With NFL free agency having quieted down, and with the 2024 NFL Draft now behind us, it's time to take a look at how the Detroit Lions are using their resources at each position group, and where they rank among the rest of the league.
We start with offensive spending, where the Lions are dishing out a total of $132.42 million in cap hits ahead of next season, ranking 15th in the NFL, according to Over the Cap. On defense, Detroit ranks 26th with $89.85 million.
Bear in mind, the Lions still have ample cap space if they want to add to their roster, with general manager Brad Holmes sitting on $23.41 million in effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster).
Now, let's go position by position and see where the Lions rank in terms of cap hits for 2024. All figures are courtesy of Over the Cap, except for the specialists, which come from Spotrac because OTC didn't have them listed.
Detroit Lions positional spending
Quarterback
Total cap hit: $34.5 million
Ranking: 10th
Running back
Total cap hit: $15.70 million
Ranking: 4th
Wide receiver
Total cap hit: $19.05 million
Ranking: 26th
Tight end
Total cap hit: $5.94 million
Ranking: 28th
Offensive line
Total cap hit: $52.12 million
Ranking: 7th
Defensive line
Total cap hit: $19.31 million
Ranking: 21st
EDGE
Total cap hit: $17.90 million
Ranking: 24th
Inside linebacker
Total cap hit: $17.88 million
Ranking: 13th
Cornerback
Total cap hit: $29.77 million
Ranking: 8th
Safety
Total cap hit: $4.97 million
Ranking: 31st
Kicker
Total cap hit: $1.95 million
Ranking: 24th
Punter
Total cap hit: $3.98 million
Ranking: 2nd
Long snapper
Total cap hit: $1.95 million
Ranking: 2nd
