Lions Restructure Two Contracts, Create $35.68MM In Cap Space

St. Brown, who signed a four-year, $120MM extension in 2024, has three years and $88MM left on his deal. The Lions converted $26MM of his salary into a signing bonus, freeing up $20.8MM in cap room. However, the four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro will now count an extra $5.2MM against the cap in future years, per Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap.

The Lions also kicked the can down the road with Sewell, who is playing on the four-year, $112MM extension he signed in 2024. By converting $18.6MM of his salary into a signing bonus, Detroit saved $14.88MM on its cap. Sewell’s future cap hits will increase by $3.72MM per season, including a newly added void year in 2030. He has four years and $92MM remaining on his pact; $32MM of that sum is guaranteed through 2027.

Aiming to rebound from a mediocre nine-win season in 2025, the Lions will continue to bank on St. Brown and Sewell offering elite-caliber play this year. St. Brown hauled in an eye-popping 117 catches for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, his third straight year with at least 115 receptions, 1,200 yards and double-digit scores.

Sewell was a first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive time and a Pro Bowler for the fourth season in a row in 2025, but he accomplished those feats as a right tackle. After releasing longtime left tackle Taylor Decker in the offseason, the Lions shifted Sewell to the blind side. First-round rookie Blake Miller will take the reins at Sewell’s former spot.

The Lions entered Saturday with little money to spend, but they are now $38.2MM in the black. The 49ers ($45.5MM) are the only team in better shape this year. The Lions now have ample room to make in-season additions, which could make them a team to watch leading up to the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Regardless, Detroit will be able to carry over the money it doesn’t spend this year into 2027.