In 2021, the Detroit Lions welcomed General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, tasking them with revitalizing a franchise plagued by decades of underperformance. That same year, Holmes selected Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft. Further enhancing their roster, Holmes found a gem in the fourth round by drafting USC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at the 112th pick, making him the 17th receiver chosen that year—a fact not lost on St. Brown.

Recognizing the foundational impact of Sewell and St. Brown, the Lions have solidified their commitment to Sewell and St. Brown with substantial contract extensions. These deals not only make them the highest paid at their positions in the NFL but also affirm their roles as central figures in the franchise’s ambitious revival plan.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Extension

The Detroit Lions and standout wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown have agreed to a lucrative four-year extension valued at over $120 million, with $77 million guaranteed, as reported by NFL Network. At just 24 years old and in the last year of his rookie deal, St. Brown’s new contract reflects his significant impact to the organization.

Last season, St. Brown’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, catching 119 passes (ranking second in the NFL) for 1,515 yards (third overall) and scoring 10 touchdowns (tied for fourth), which earned him All-Pro honors. Since being drafted, he quickly became a preferred target for Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Over three seasons, he has amassed nearly 3,600 yards and scored over 20 touchdowns, making him one of only four players in NFL history to record 300+ receptions in their first three years.

With the market for wide receivers heating up—as peers like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are also up for extensions—the Lions acted swiftly to secure St. Brown. This contract also sends a strong message to current and future Lions about the rewards of dedication and performance.

This new deal not only rewards St. Brown’s impressive performance on the field but also underscores his broader impact on the Lions organization. Known for his work ethic and his ability to prove doubters wrong, St. Brown embodies the spirit of determination and excellence. His leadership and reliability are invaluable, making him a role model within the team and a cornerstone of the Lions’ identity. The extension ensures that St. Brown will continue to be a central figure for the Lions through 2028, emphasizing the team’s philosophy: hard work and production lead to substantial rewards.

Penei Sewell Extension

Much like Amon-Ra St. Brown, the contract extension of offensive tackle Penei Sewell in his third NFL season underscores both his exceptional talent and his pivotal role in transforming the Detroit Lions into contenders.

NFL Network reports that the Lions have signed Sewell to a four-year, $112 million extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. This agreement places Sewell ahead of other top earners such as Texans’ Laremy Tunsil ($25 million), Giants’ Andrew Thomas ($23.5 million), and 49ers’ Trent Williams ($22 million).

For two consecutive years, Sewell has been the top-rated offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus, achieving this by allowing just one sack and incurring only seven penalties throughout the season.

His tenacious approach to the game, coupled with his exceptional athleticism and technical skills, has established him as one of the most feared offensive linemen in the NFL in recent memory. A standout moment was his rookie face-off with future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald when the Lions met the Rams. Sewell stood his ground, going facemask to facemask with Donald, demonstrating his refusal to back down. Since that encounter, he has proven to be the most dominant offensive lineman in the league—a perfect match for a team and front office that regard their offensive line as the core of the team’s identity.

Anticipation Builds for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit

Detroit is set to host the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night at 8 PM. Holding the 29th pick in the first round, the Lions and their fans are eagerly awaiting the moves General Manager Brad Holmes will make in his fourth draft at the helm. The city is buzzing with anticipation, curious about the decisions that will unfold under Holmes’ leadership.

Truly, it’s an exhilarating time in Detroit.

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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Original Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK