The Detroit Lions took care of important business on Wednesday, with the team inking both wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell to monster contract extensions, making both the highest-paid players at their respective positions.
Sewell was given a four-year deal worth $112 million, with $85 million guaranteed, while St. Brown received a four-year contract worth more than $120 million, with $77 million guaranteed, per reports.
In 2023, St. Brown tallied career-bests in receptions (119), receiving yards (1,515) and touchdowns (10), finishing tied for second, third and tied for fourth in the three categories. Those marks earned him his second career Pro Bowl nod and first career first-team All-Pro.
Meanwhile, Sewell, who has given up just three sacks the past two years, per PFF, was voted to his second-straight Pro Bowl and notched his first first-team All-Pro, cementing his status as one of the best offensive linemen in the sport, if not the best.
But their importance to the franchise extends beyond the stats and accolades. St. Brown and Sewell are leaders in the locker room and show incredible work ethic, making them the epitome of what the Lions want their players to be.
When you put it all together, it was quite clear that the Lions needed to pay a pair of players who are cornerstones of the franchise.
Were both deals expensive? Sure, but that's just the cost of doing business in today's NFL when it comes to players like St. Brown and Sewell, both of whom are young, incredibly talented and crucial to Detroit's future.
St. Brown extension grade: A+
Sewell extension grade: A+
