Breaking down the financial impact of the Lions releasing Cameron Sutton
The Lions terminated cornerback Cameron Sutton’s contract on Thursday following revelations of his involvement in a domestic violence case in Florida. This decision, occurring in the second year of his three-year, $33 million deal, holds financial implications for Detroit.
Field Yates of ESPN reported that the Lions executed Sutton’s release as a post-June 1 action. By doing so, the team is able to alleviate some of the immediate salary cap burden for the year 2024, spreading the financial impact over two seasons instead. This maneuver grants the Lions a $1.5 million relief in cap space, effective after June 1.
While the precise details of Sutton’s contract remain undisclosed, it seems probable that the Lions can annul the salary guarantees associated with his deal. Pro Football Talk suggests that Detroit has voided all guaranteed payments for 2024, although this has yet to be officially confirmed by the team. Typically, resolution of contract-related matters stemming from infractions is contingent upon the conclusion of legal proceedings involving the player.
The Lions are obligated to amortize the $2.18 million signing bonus across the years 2024 and 2025. This sum was already disbursed to Sutton upon the signing of his contract in 2023.
In an update provided by Spotrac, it’s indicated that the Lions plan to invalidate Sutton’s $10.5 million salary guarantee for 2024. Pending approval from the league, this action will restore the corresponding cap space to Detroit.
In summary, cornerback Cam Sutton has been formally designated as a post-June 1st release by the Lions. Additionally, Detroit has signaled its intention to nullify his $10.5 million salary guarantee for the year 2024. Consequently, Detroit will carry a cap charge of $12.6 million into June, followed by dead cap hits of $2.18 million in 2024 and $6.54 million in 2025.
