The Detroit Lions have given lucrative contract extensions with long-term contracts to their most important offensive players during the offseason.
With Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell each receiving contract extensions, Detroit’s front office has some important decisions to make regarding left tackle Taylor Decker and defensive tackle Alim McNeill.
“It’s going to be tough. I think it’s a risk for both sides not to extend Alim McNeill’s contract this offseason. If I were the Lions, I would have tried to get this thing done early this offseason before making such a big fuss. Just the way we talked about Alim McNeill this offseason has really increased his value,” said Christian Booher. “And if he then has the season that everyone expects from him, he’ll probably be gone by that point.”
McNeill is in the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for a base salary of $3.091 million. Decker is in the final year of a five-year, $59.65 million extension.
“The Lions still have a limited amount of money, although that salary cap space will continue to increase as the NFL continues to make money. But at the end of the day, you can’t pay everyone such a big, lavish contract extension, and they did that with Sewell, they did that with St. Brown,” Booher continued. “If you gave out a third lavish contract from that particular draft class, you’d find yourself in trouble. But you could also take that money and spend it on smaller contract extensions for Derrick Barnes and maybe (Ifeatu) Melifonwu. But I think it’s going to be really difficult to keep both of them.”
The latest Lone Wolves podcast examines whether the Lions need another pass rusher before training camp, and also looks at expectations for the offensive line and wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Don’t miss out on more episodes of the podcast. Be sure to subscribe to the Lone Wolves podcast, available wherever your favorite podcasts are available.
further reading
1.) Mina Kimes: Jameson Williams can be “the answer” for the offense
2.) Travis Kelce: Sam LaPorta Best Tight End at TEU
3.) Fact or fiction: Jack Campbell did not have a good rookie season
4.) Lions appreciate the “experienced presence” of Nate Sudfeld
