Tracy Walker, the Detroit Lions’ safety, was let go during the 2023 season. This offseason, he may lose his roster spot.
On February 19, NFL.com’s Matt Okada listed Walker as one of several likely NFC roster cuts.
“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 said in a statement. “He started only six games last season, although appearing 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 three-year, $25 million contract he signed prior to the 2022 season. He will have a $12.8 million cap hit in 2024.
That’s a significant figure for a defender who only played four defensive snaps in the final five regular-season games. Walker was also inactive for Detroit’s three postseason games.
According to Okada, the Lions can save $8 million against the limit if Walker is designated for a post-June 1 cut. Detroit will save $5.5 million by releasing Walker before June 1.
Tracy ensures safety. Is Walker a cut candidate for the Detroit Lions?
Okada is not the only analyst who believes the Lions will release Walker this offseason.
On February 19, Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac named Walker to his “All-Bubble NFL Team” as one of four safeties. The list included players from throughout the league who Ginnitti claimed might be cut at any position.
On February 14, SI.com’s All Lions’ Christian Booher suggested Walker as a potential cut candidate for the Lions.
“[Walker] was relegated to a bench and special teams role and later a healthy scratch at the end of last season,” Booher said in a statement. “He started six games this season but the team moved on to Ifeatu Melifonwu late in the year, and Melifonwu made a compelling case to be a starter in the secondary next season.”Walker made 34 total tackles and two pass defenses across six starts. Walker had a Pro Football Focus player grade of 62.8 all season.
That ranks 66th out of 104 safeties who played at least 20% of their team’s defensive snaps in 2023.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Walker’s successor in the starting lineup, with 26 total tackles in the remaining five regular-season games. Melifonwu also recorded three tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, three sacks, and two interceptions during that five-game span.
Then in the postseason, Melifonwu recorded 16 combined tackles, 3 quarterback hits and 2 sacks.
Melifonwu earned an 82.1 player grade from PFF for the full season.
Other Cut Candidates for Lions
As Okada noted, the Lions have a solid cap situation. According to Spotrac, they have over $48 million in cap space.
However, the Lions have needs for edge rushers, cornerbacks, and guards this offseason. Furthermore, they are anticipated to give contract extensions to quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and possibly others.
It wouldn’t hurt to make more room, especially if that guy isn’t going to play a major role in Detroit’s 2024 Super Bowl run.
With that in mind, defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike is another possible cut candidate. Defensive end John Cominsky could be another option. Booher identified both possible cut candidates, as well as Walker.
Based on production, it makes the most sense for the Lions to cut Onwuzurike while keeping Cominsky.
