Detroit, Michigan – The Detroit Lions are moving into a new era under the leadership of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. Transitioning from a rebuild phase, the team is now setting its sights on the postseason, positioning itself as a legitimate Super Bowl contender for the upcoming season. With key players in place, the Lions are laying the foundation for a competitive future, as long as they can retain their core members.
This offseason marks a pivotal moment for the Lions as they focus on retaining their homegrown talent. Recently, the team secured long-term extensions for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell, making them the highest-paid players at their respective positions. St. Brown signed a $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed, joining an elite group of top-paid wide receivers in the league. On the other hand, Sewell became the highest-paid offensive lineman with a four-year, $112 million deal, including $85 million guaranteed.
Looking back at the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions made strategic choices by selecting Sewell over a quarterback and opting for St. Brown in the later rounds to bolster the team’s foundation. Both players have proven to be instrumental in the Lions’ recent successes, showcasing the team’s commitment to building through the draft and fostering a winning culture. Sewell, a two-time Pro Bowler, and St. Brown, a first-team All-Pro, embody the Lions’ values and vision for the future.
As the Lions secure key extensions for their young stars, they also face decisions on other potential extensions in the future. The team’s focus on retaining core talent while maintaining financial flexibility reflects their philosophy of building a sustainable and competitive roster. With players like Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, and Taylor Decker on the horizon for possible extensions, the Lions are strategic in their approach to building a winning team.
In the midst of these developments, the Lions remain cautious about extending every player on the roster, prioritizing fit and performance over sentimentality. As they navigate the complexities of roster management and long-term planning, Holmes and his team are committed to upholding a standard of excellence for the Detroit Lions. The upcoming seasons will reveal which players become integral parts of the Lions’ core as the team strives for sustained success in the NFL.