The Detroit Lions made stalwart right tackle Penei Sewell — a foundational piece of the franchise’s burgeoning success — the highest paid offensive lineman in the history of the NFL with a contract extension. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter first reported the deal.
Sewell is reportedly set to make as much as $112 million over the four year term of the deal. The $28 million annual value of the deal vaults Sewell to the top of the tackle (and therefore offensive line) market, surpassing Laremy Tunsil ($25 million annually) as the richest offensive lineman in the league.
And $85 million of the deal is guaranteed to Sewell, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Sewell is set to make around $30 million per year during the first three years of his deal.
Sewell, who is just 23 years old, has been integral to the growth of the Lions under the regime of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. Taken with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell has quickly ascended to not only being one of the best players for the Lions, but one of the best players at his position and in the league.
Through just three pro seasons, Sewell has twice been a Pro-Bowler and earned First Team All-Pro recognition in 2023 as the top right tackle in the NFL. His nasty demeanor and rare movement ability playing as a tackle have set him apart as he’s excelled in baseline work as a pass protector and run blocker.
And the tackle seems excited to stay with the franchise that drafted him.
“DETROIT LETS ROCK,” Sewell said on social media. “All Glory To God.”
The contract extension for Sewell is also not the first major deal that Holmes and Co. got done this week in the lead up to the 2024 NFL Draft, being hosted in Detroit.
The Lions also extended star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, giving him a four-year, $120 million deal that makes him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. St. Brown was a first team All-Pro selection in 2023.
And there is one more contract extension likely to come this offseason in Detroit, for quarterback Jared Goff. How long the Lions hope to keep him under contract, and for how much, will be revealing of the team’s short and long term out looks.
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