The Detroit Lions have decided not to place a restricted tender on edge defender Tyrus Wheat, making the 26-year-old set to enter free agency after his 15-game stint with the team last season, ESPN reports. This move raises questions about the team’s depth and strategy at the edge rusher position just before the free agency period begins.
Team’s Defensive Edge Depth and Roster Moves
Despite Wheat’s departure, the Lions still have several players under contract at the edge, including Aidan Hutchinson, Tyler Lacy, and Ahmed Hassanein. The roster also retains former second-round pick Josh Paschal and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, whose contract tolls into the next season. However, general manager Brad Holmes left Wheat’s future uncertain amid these changes.
Wheat earned a base salary of $1.03 million last season after the Lions claimed him off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys following training camp. Prior to joining Detroit, he spent two seasons with Dallas. Wheat appeared in a career-high 15 games for the Lions, recording 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits despite limited action—playing only 66 defensive snaps.
Alongside Wheat, two other restricted free agents remain on the roster: wide receiver Tom Kennedy and linebacker Trevor Nowaske. This creates a challenging roster decision for the team as they prepare for the upcoming free agency period.
Recent Trades and Financial Moves Ahead of Free Agency
The Lions have been active in reshaping their roster this offseason. They traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for two draft picks and a former second-round offensive lineman. Detroit also released veteran center Graham Glasgow to save approximately $5.5 million in salary cap space.
These moves appear to be part of a broader effort to manage the salary cap ahead of free agency, which is quickly approaching. General manager Holmes has hinted at a potentially different strategy this year, noting that the Lions may consider contract restructures to free up additional cap room. Historically, the team has taken a conservative approach to free agency since 2021, focusing on building through the draft and internal development.
Impact of Roster Decisions on Team Depth and Future Prospects
While Wheat’s contributions last season were modest, he provided valuable depth at a position where the Lions do not currently have abundant options on paper. The decision to let him go adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Lions’ defensive edge rotation moving forward. The team’s handling of free agents like Wheat, Kennedy, and Nowaske will likely signal its approach to roster building and competitiveness in the coming season.
