The Lions gave themselves significant salary cap space through 2026 by restructuring quarterback Jared Goff’s contract.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Detroit added $32 million in cap space for this season by converting $40 million of his 2026 base salary into a signing bonus and adding an inactive year. Goff’s total compensation in 2026 will remain the same, but now less of it will count against this year’s salary cap and more of it will count against the salary cap in future years.
advertise
According to official sources, the Lions are very strict with their salary cap requirements before today’s 4 pm deadline. But that was never really a question, as they always had the option to restructure Goff’s contract. The Lions have multiple other high-paid players whose contracts could undergo similar restructuring if they decide to clear more cap space this year.
After a disappointing 2025 season, the Lions think they can get back into contention in 2026. If they choose to do so, they will have the cap space to add key veteran contributors toward that goal.
