During the 2023 season, Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker lost his job. This offseason, he could lose his roster spot.
NFL.com’s Matt Okada included Walker on a list of potential NFC roster cut candidates on February 19.
“The Lions are actually in great cap shape entering 2024, but if there is a spot to save some additional dough, Walker might be it,” Okada wrote. “He started just six games last year, despite playing in all 17, and allowed a 123.8 passer rating in primary coverage (per PFF).
“If designated as a post-June 1 cut, Walker would free up $8 million in cap space for a team on the very cusp of Super Bowl contention.”
Walker is entering the final season of a 3-year, $25 million contract he signed before the 2022 season. He will count as about a $12.8 million cap hit in 2024.
That’s obviously a big number for a defender who played just 4 defensive snaps combined in the final five regular season games. Walker was also inactive for all three Detroit playoff games.
As Okada noted, the Lions can save $8 million against the cap if Walker is a designated post-June 1 cut. Detroit will save $5.5 million if it releases Walker before June 1.
Okada isn’t the only analyst expecting the Lions to potentially release Walker this offseason.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti included Walker as one of four safeties on his “All-Bubble NFL Team” on February 19. The list included players from around the league Ginnitti argued could be cut at every position.
