In what will be one of the biggest days for a single franchise to put together on the contract front in modern NFL history, the Lions have another record-setting agreement. After not too long Amun Ra Brown StreetAnd a deal emerged Penny Sewell Now closed for the long term.
Sewell agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million extension. NFL.com's Mike Garafolo reports. This figure of $28 million per year breaks the correct AAV record. Not only is this the new standard for right tackle, but Sewell's second contract doubles as the largest ever for an offensive lineman.
The contract will average $30 million annually over the first three seasons. CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports. This deal looks set to run through 2029, with Sewell having a fifth-year option covering 2025. SI.com's Albert Breer confirms The extension runs until year 29 after the option is exercised.
Garafolo adds that the deal includes an $85 million guarantee. That security number comes north of any other O-lineman figure as well. Andrew ThomasThe Giants' $67 million guarantee previously represented their current high-water mark. No other OL has a guarantee higher than $64 million. This represents a massive commitment for Sewell, who has so far rewarded the Lions for their investment in the 2021 first-round pick.
Although the Lions remain in control for two years with this option, they will go through the process to do the extension now. While Thomas needs to agree to a five-year deal to secure the Monsters' money after his third season, the Lions will reward Sewell while giving him a chance to negotiate a third contract – if he remains at his best – in his late 20s. Sewell won't turn 24 until October.
It's hard to overstate how committed the Lions are to Sewell. The right tackle market finally reached the $20 million-per-year mark in 2023, when the Eagles gave away Lynn Johnson Another extension and the Chiefs matched the free agent's 20MM-AAV Joan Taylor. Sewell effectively has his own salary bracket at the position. Its AAV of $28 million also comes in $3 million higher than Laremy TunsilLT registration number. This is a fairly big day for a player who joined the Lions after opting out of his final college season during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Sewell and St. Brown came to Detroit first Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell Draft. Each has gone on to become influential players, with Sewell finishing last season as a first-team regular. The Oregon State alum has two Pro Bowls on his resume and has extensive experience at both positions. The Lions drafted Sewell seventh overall and moved him to left tackle after 2021 Taylor Decker infection. Decker returned in 2022, and the Lions followed Sewell's initial plan. They have since seen him as one of the best right tackles in the game.
Sewell's return to right tackle coincided with the Lions fielding one of the best offensive lines in the league. The team paired tackle Decker-Sewell alongside a Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow. Although the Lions experienced some instability in guard due to… Halabulivati VaitaiThe health of the team over the past two years Jared Goff Top-notch protection and opening up regular running lanes for the likes Jamal Williams, David Montgomery And Jahmir Gibbs. That O-line played a central role in Goff's Motor City comeback — a role that is on track to produce a big stretch for the veteran quarterback, likely before Week 1 — and the Lions' trip from three wins in 2021 to last season's NFC Championship Game.
The Lions haven't given up on retaining their four-year point guard Jonah Jackson in free agency, but the team focused on a cheaper alternative after knowing which direction the market was headed. There is no doubt that Sewell's plans for the club were taken into account in this decision. The Lions already have Ragnow under a top-tier center contract and signed Decker to an upper-crust LT deal. Decker is entering a contract year, though he provided interesting news by revealing that discussions about a third contract have begun.
Black is betting big early on a player who has shown dominant form. Pro Football Focus rated Sewell as the best player in the NFL last year, particularly praising his run-blocking ability. ESPN's pass block win rate placed Sewell sixth. PFF has Sewell 10th among tackles in 2022, and the Lions certainly believe there is better quality up front for the former No. 7 overall pick.
Detroit landed Sewell after Cincinnati picked him up Jamar Chase At No. 5 three years ago, the Bengals added Joe BurrowHis former teammate instead of fulfilling RT's then obvious need. This became the lions' gain. As Decker enters his age-31 season — his contract year — the Lions still have a tandem heading into their fourth year together.
It will be interesting to see how this blockbuster deal affects Decker's future in Detroit, but the defending NFC North champions have two major parts of their high-risk offseason itinerary validated by the St. Louis trades. Brown and Sewell. It is likely that a third contract will be signed with Goff after that.
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