In a groundbreaking move, the Detroit Lions have shattered NFL records with two monumental contract extensions. Sources reveal that the Lions have inked a historic four-year, $112 million deal with offensive tackle sensation Penei Sewell, catapulting him to the summit as the highest-paid player in his position across the league.
The staggering magnitude of this agreement is exemplified by an unprecedented $85 million guaranteed, a figure that eclipses any previous deal for an offensive lineman in NFL history. With approximately 75% of the contract’s total value secured, Sewell’s annual earnings are set to soar to around $28 million, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the field.
News of Sewell’s landmark contract follows swiftly on the heels of another blockbuster deal struck by the Lions earlier in the day. Amon-Ra St. Brown, the dynamic wide receiver, has reportedly agreed to a lucrative four-year extension worth $120 million, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive arsenal.
In an Instagram story shared from the iconic Ford Field, St. Brown expressed his excitement, declaring, “I can’t wait. I’m here, four more years.”
At just 23 years old, Sewell has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL landscape. Since being drafted by the Lions with the seventh overall pick in 2021, Sewell’s meteoric rise has seen him earn two Pro Bowl selections and garner first-team All-Pro honors in 2023. With his potential still untapped, Sewell’s trajectory promises even greater heights in the seasons to come.
The Lions’ transformation from cellar-dwellers to contenders has been nothing short of remarkable. Following a challenging inaugural season for Sewell in 2021, where the team finished with a 3-13-1 record under the helm of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have undergone a dramatic resurgence. Their ascent culminated in a memorable 2023 campaign, where they clinched the NFC North title and embarked on a thrilling playoff run, falling just short of the Super Bowl.
St. Brown, aged 24, has emerged as a breakout star for the Lions, delivering standout performances on the field. His remarkable feat of recording 119 catches, 1,515 yards, and 10 touchdowns last season earned him first-team All-Pro honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
St. Brown’s remarkable consistency places him in elite company, becoming only the third player in NFL history to record 90 or more receptions in each of his first three seasons.
Selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, St. Brown’s extension ensures his continued presence in Detroit, preventing him from reaching unrestricted free agency after the upcoming season.
Both Sewell and St. Brown etched their names in Lions history by becoming the team’s first offensive players to earn first-team All-Pro accolades since 1997. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping a winning culture in Detroit, and with their futures secured, they are poised to lead the charge in pursuit of the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl championship.
