Detroit Lions restructure contracts to create NFL salary cap room

The Detroit Lions restructured the contracts of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell on September 13, 2026, creating approximately $35.68 million in salary-cap space. This adjustment leaves the team with about $38 million in available room, ranking second in the NFL. The move triggered immediate speculation regarding a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Although the Lions previously indicated that adding a high-cost defensive contract was not a priority due to long-term financial commitments to their core roster, the new cap flexibility allows for a potential pursuit. The Raiders previously explored trading Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, though the transaction did not proceed due to a medical concern. The Lions must still balance future extensions for players like Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta, as well as the high cost of acquiring a player of Crosby’s stature.

• 2:06 PMYahoo Sports — NFL Insider Puts Detroit on an Maxx Crosby Watch List