Lions Gain $9.25M Cap Space Following Ragnow Retirement

The Detroit Lions currently have $40.1 million in salary cap space for the 2025 NFL season, ranking third-highest in the league, but face a challenging cap situation projected for 2026 with an anticipated $54.4 million over the cap due to rising salaries of key players like Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The recent retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow at age 29 frees up approximately $9.25 million in cap space for 2025, with $4.8 million in dead money this season and $3.6 million in dead money next season, providing some immediate relief but not solving future cap challenges. The Lions have options with how to handle Ragnow's contract from a salary cap perspective, including splitting his remaining guaranteed money over two seasons to balance cap hits. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have $31.9 million in cap space and minimal dead money, allowing them flexibility to finalize their roster, sign extensions, and potentially make trades without significant financial strain. Both teams are navigating their salary cap situations strategically, balancing present roster needs with looming future salary commitments.