With the signings of Chris Houston and Reggie Bush the Lions are looking like they believe that they’re going to be serious contenders in 2013. Currently I don’t have where they’re sitting at cap space wise as I don’t have the full numbers on Jason Jones and Glover Quin yet. Either way the Lions are stealing Chris Houston and Reggie Bush from the NFL for this upcoming season and then will have to figure out what to do come 2014 and 2015. I’m assuming that’s where Stafford gets his new deal and either Ndamukong Suh gets a new deal or hits the trade block. The odds of Suh getting traded though are getting very slim as his cap number for 2014 is looking to touch $18 million dollars. A lot of scenarios can be played out but only Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand know the answers. For now those answers are sign really good players cheap for the upcoming season and worry about the rest of the contract later. It’s all about winning right now and the Lions front office is showing that.
Reggie Bush (4 years/$16 million; $4 million signing bonus)
2013 – $1 million ($2 million salary cap)
2014 – $3.5 million ($4.5 million salary cap)
2015 – $3.25 million; $250,000 roster bonus ($4.5 million salary cap)
2016 – $3.75 million; $250,000 roster bonus ($5.0 million salary cap)
Chris Houston (5 years/$25 million; $6.5 million signing bonus)
2013 – $1 million ($2.3 million salary cap)
2014 – $3.5 million ($4.8 million salary cap)
2015 – $4.5 million ($5.8 million salary cap)
2016 – $4.5 million ($5.8 million salary cap)
2017 – $5.0 million ($6.3 million salary cap)
h/t: Mlive.com