$8 Million seems a little on the high side, but I do want him back.Zeitler was a clear upgrade over Jackson for less money while Glasgow should be relegated to
a backup/spot starter role.
I suspect we might promote Mahogany and Zeitler might find himself in Chicago because they’ll be more willing to pay up than we are.
5 Likes
He made 6 mill last year. I’m good with a 1 year 9 mill deal. He was very good. Then move Mahogany to left guard. Oline in great shape for 2025 even before the draft in Zeitler returns.
Let GG and Manu be the 2 main backups.
8 Likes
Plus Skipper
Plus Rookie
Sneak Niese & Sorsdal to the PS
I think come camp time we could get a 2026 bean for Kayode Awosika. He’s had some success at LG and a team could acquire him
While we opt to develop our young draft picks that have more versatility
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Yep plus it gives us more freedom in the draft. Zeitler back makes too much sense.
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I have the Lions with about ~14m in effective cap space (of course, depends on final cap number for 2025 - reports are teams are budgeting for a 265-275 number, so i picked the middle at 270. And how much Brad and Disner want to keep for a rainy day, but that number has been over $20m the last two seasons):
Zeitler at 9m eats would effectively eat about $8m after you drop contract #51, leaving them with $6. Seems tight. Of course, still a lot of time for guys to take a paycut (GRAHAM).
Just add some of those DJ Chark void years at the end to spread money around.
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Good point - I mean, definitely could. But 2026 is already a pressure point (though really, gonna see some restructures in 2026)
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2 year with 1 void year 6 mil this year 3 mil for the void year
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I think Munu can be the next Skipper for next year. Come in as the 6th lineman and get some experience. Plus with his athleticism it should be a good roll for him.
I agree with bringing Zeitler back and having Mahogany start with Glasgow being the backup c/g.
The Lions should also draft two olinemen. One to compete with Manu for the future starting ot position. The other should be a versatile lineman that can play multiple positions.
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I do enjoy reading comments from those that can understand and dissect the salary cap stuff. That is one area I have little to no knowledge about other than the total number. All the nuances and logistics to work within the cap structure is wild to me. A big kudos to those that can dumb it down for folks like me.
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Mahogany for my hog and me.
I would love to have Zeitler back but giving him 9m seems a little too rich.
Can we keep Zeitler and give them Glasgow instead?
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Agreed. Giving Mahogany a year at LG would be great. Although, he’s better at RG, I’d welcome it. He was better than GG there. I don’t believe that our future LG is currently on the team, at this moment.
Another 1 year contract would be sweet for Zeitler. He hasn’t been injury prone…yet, and 34 isn’t too old for that position. Hank Fraley staying with the Lions would help lure him back–the continuity and familiarity has to account for something.
2 Likes
I would offer Zeitler a fair raise ($8M is fair) on a 1 yr
Guaranteed deal with no void years.
Nice and clean because of all the Cap magic that will be needed in the next few years.
If he wants to be here he will take it.
If he is chasing the highest contract he won’t be because another team can offer him more.
In addition to the Zeitler contract I would ask GG to restructure his deal (cut base salary) so that it is a 2-way deal. If he is not a starter his pay will be reduced. But if his level of play returns to 2023 level he will be rewarded with starting and play % bonuses that will allow him to make even more than the original salary.
On top of that I expect Holmes to draft an O-lineman as to compete for play time.
1 Like
We can wish, unfortunately Glasgow carries a cap hit of $7.4M in 2025 or $5.3M dead cap if cut. Maybe he would be better moving him back to the RG and playing Mahogany at LG. Regardless, it’s time to draft some OL depth.
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Honestly if it makes our team better, I’d gladly eat that much. That said I think Glasgow is a great guy to have as a 3-position backup. I just wouldn’t have him as a starter going into next year. And I wouldn’t let Zeitler go because we have him, either. Mahogany at LG and Zeitler at RG is a much better option.
I also agree we need to spend some capital to add some youth. Even my preferred option is a short term solution.
4 Likes
I’m not sure Graham even played at a league minimum contract level this year. Sure he only frees up $2m this year. But you can probably sign a guy for $2m to play as bad as he did this year. The real bonus is freeing up his ridiculous hit of $8.4m the following season.
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will tag @Thats2 and @Davicus for discussion as well…
If Deadstroke has taught me anything….
it is to NOT look at the “dead cap” number.
It doesn’t matter… because that is cash ALREADY paid…
or guaranteed to be paid in the future.
In Glasgow’s case… the $5.3 million in dead cap money is ALL prorated SB money that was already paid.
It’s gone. Can’t save any of it by keeping him longer.
However…
Glasgow is due a $500K roster bonus on day 3 of the NFL league year, and an additional $5.5 million in base salary for 2025.
So the simple question for the Lions would be….
Is Glasgow worthy of a $6 million caah payout for 2025?
Yes… or… no?
If the answer is “no”…. then he either takes a large pay cut…
or gets released prior to day #3 of the NFL year (March 14, 2025).
3 Likes