The Detroit Lions have big expectations in 2023 as they expect to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. 

Per BetMGM, the Lions are the favorites to win the Aaron Rodgers-less NFC North. 

If the Lions reclaim the NFC North, it will be on the backs of strong performances from several players. Today, I wanted to take a look at three players who could be entering their final season in the Motor City. 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, G

Vaitai missed the 2022 season due to a back injury. That was unfortunate, because the guard had impressed during the 2021 season. 

After first signing with the Lions in 2020, Vaitai struggled in his first season as a Lion. In 2021, the guard vastly improved in pass protection and ended with a respectable 68.4 PFF grade.

Vaitai originally signed a five-year, $50M deal before the 2020 offseason, but the deal was reworked this offseason to provide the team some breathing room. Essentially, Vaitai is now on a one-year contract with 2024 becoming a void year. 

If Vaitai struggles to recover from his back injury, the team could allow the lineman to walk. The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the league, so losing "Big V" might not seem like the end of the world. 

Romeo Okwara, DE

Okwara is another veteran who had his contract re-negotiated this offseason. 

Okwara has had some productive seasons in Detroit, but the last couple of years have been rough for the pass rusher. Okwara only played in nine games over the previous two seasons due to injury. 

If Okwara struggles to regain his 2020 form in which he collected 10 sacks, the veteran could be allowed to walk. Okwara's brother Julian could be in the same boat as he will also hit free agency after the 2023 season. 

Tracy Walker III, S

Walker is another veteran who could be on the way out after the 2023 season. 

Walker suffered a devastating Achilles injury in Week 3 of the 2022 season. This was just months after signing a three-year, $25M extension with the team. 

Walker, like Okwara, has had productive seasons in Detroit but was asked to restructure this offseason. 

In 2021, Walker collected 108 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack. The veteran was rewarded with an extension that would keep him in Detroit through the 2024 season. However, Achilles injuries are one of the most severe a player can have. If Walker struggles to regain his prior form, the team could cut the veteran before paying his $7.95M salary in 2024.

Featured image via © Jeff Hanisch | 2023 Jan 8