Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions’ general manager, reflected on his first draft class during a press conference and highlighted the skepticism surrounding their picks. However, the 2021 draft class, seen as the start of the team’s rebuild, has shown promise. Key players from that class include Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Derrick Barnes. All seven picks from that class are currently on the roster, which is a noteworthy achievement.
Now that these players have completed three seasons in the league, they are eligible for contract extensions. Let’s take a closer look at these extension-eligible players, starting with their draft order and considering what their new deals might entail.
1. RT Penei Sewell (First Round, No. 7 overall):
Penei Sewell has quickly established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the NFL, and the Detroit Lions are aware that they will need to make him one of the highest-paid players at his position. The Lions have a fifth-year option decision to make on Sewell before early May, which is expected to be exercised. However, it could serve as a starting point for discussions regarding a long-term contract. Over The Cap estimates the fifth-year option for Sewell at $19.7 million, based on his Pro Bowl selection. Alternatively, the Lions could skip the fifth-year option and negotiate a multi-year deal with Sewell during the offseason. A projected contract for Sewell could be in the range of $20-$25 million per year, placing him among the top-paid offensive tackles. Spotrac projects a four-year, $90.67 million deal ($22.6 million per year) for Sewell, assuming he starts after the fifth-year option in 2025. A potential contract extension projection for Sewell could be a five-year, $110 million deal, with $70 million fully guaranteed and a $25 million signing bonus.
2. DT Levi Onwuzurike (Second Round, No. 41 overall):
Levi Onwuzurike, who battled a back injury since college, had a limited role in his rookie season and missed his entire second season due to aggravating the injury and undergoing major surgery. Despite reportedly being healthy this past season, he had limited playing time and did not perform at a high level. As the offseason progresses, Onwuzurike is a candidate to be released by the Lions. Therefore, a contract extension is unlikely for him at this time.
1. RT Penei Sewell (First Round, No. 7 overall):
Penei Sewell has quickly established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the NFL, and the Detroit Lions are aware that they will need to make him one of the highest-paid players at his position. The Lions have a fifth-year option decision to make on Sewell before early May, which is expected to be exercised. However, it could serve as a starting point for discussions regarding a long-term contract. Over The Cap estimates the fifth-year option for Sewell at $19.7 million, based on his Pro Bowl selection. Alternatively, the Lions could skip the fifth-year option and negotiate a multi-year deal with Sewell during the offseason. A projected contract for Sewell could be in the range of $20-$25 million per year, placing him among the top-paid offensive tackles. Spotrac projects a four-year, $90.67 million deal ($22.6 million per year) for Sewell, assuming he starts after the fifth-year option in 2025. A potential contract extension projection for Sewell could be a five-year, $110 million deal, with $70 million fully guaranteed and a $25 million signing bonus.
2. DT Levi Onwuzurike (Second Round, No. 41 overall):
Levi Onwuzurike, who battled a back injury since college, had a limited role in his rookie season and missed his entire second season due to aggravating the injury and undergoing major surgery. Despite reportedly being healthy this past season, he had limited playing time and did not perform at a high level. As the offseason progresses, Onwuzurike is a candidate to be released by the Lions. Therefore, a contract extension is unlikely for him at this time.
3. DT Alim McNeill (Third Round, No. 72 overall):
Alim McNeill showed significant improvement in his second season and had a breakout year in his third season with the Lions. He dedicated himself to reshaping his body, improving his strength, and expanding his game on the field. This hard work paid off as he recorded five sacks (second on the team) and 10 quarterback hits, significantly boosting his overall Pro Football Focus grade. PFF even referred to him as the Lions’ “secret superstar” and most improved player.
McNeill has shown progress in each season of his career and started all 17 games in the 2022 season, playing a larger role than in his rookie year. Currently in the final year of his rookie deal, McNeill is a bargain with a base salary in the $1.3 million range. However, Over The Cap’s valuation projection suggests that his potential value could reach around $8.7 million.
The Lions may want to observe McNeill’s continued progress before committing to a long-term contract extension. However, there is a case to be made for signing him to an extension this offseason to lock in his value before it potentially increases further. A contract extension projection for McNeill, if it were to happen this offseason, could be a three-year, $21.5 million deal with $15 million fully guaranteed.
4. S Ifeatu Melifonwu (Third Round, No. 101 overall):
Ifeatu Melifonwu has faced injury challenges and underwent a position switch after being a cornerback in college. However, once he recovered from a hand injury, he was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 14 and made a significant impact. Melifonwu showcased his versatility as a blitzer, recording sacks and interceptions in several games, including winning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He continued to perform well in the playoffs, displaying his playmaking ability and leading the team in tackles.
Melifonwu has the potential for a breakout season in 2024, but his ability to stay healthy and consistently contribute on the field remains a concern. Given this, a contract extension for Melifonwu may not be a high priority for the Lions this offseason. The team may want to evaluate his performance over a full season before committing to a long-term extension.
Ifeatu Melifonwu’s contract extension projection: It is difficult to provide an accurate projection at this time. The Lions will likely wait to see how Melifonwu performs in the upcoming season before determining the terms of a potential contract extension.
5. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (Fourth Round, No. 112 overall):
Amon-Ra St. Brown has exceeded expectations since being drafted as the 17th wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the league and is considered a key piece for the Lions’ offense. Securing him with a long-term contract extension is a high priority for the team this offseason.
St. Brown is expected to command a significant salary in his next contract, potentially earning $20 million or more per year. There are reports suggesting that the Lions and St. Brown are working on a deal that could pay him around $25 million per year over at least three years. If realized, this would place him among the top-five highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
A potential contract extension projection for Amon-Ra St. Brown could be a four-year, $102 million deal, with $60 million fully guaranteed and a $30 million signing bonus. However, it’s important to note that contract negotiations can be complex, and the final terms of any extension may differ from initial projections.
6. LB Derrick Barnes (Fourth Round, No. 113 overall):
Derrick Barnes had a notable play against the Dallas Cowboys that didn’t go in his favor, but he redeemed himself with a game-sealing interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, earning him recognition and appreciation from Lions fans. Despite these polar extremes, Barnes had a solid season, finishing fourth on the team with 81 total tackles and playing a career-high 705 defensive snaps. He made the transition from college defensive end to off-ball linebacker in the NFL, and his patience and development paid off.
The Lions have depth at the linebacker position, with players like Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Barnes pushing Malcolm Rodriguez into a special teams role last season. Campbell and Rodriguez are young and could potentially be starters in 2025. The question remains about Barnes’ future role and fit within the team’s plans. It’s uncertain at this point whether the Lions will pursue a contract extension for Barnes, and it’s possible that it may not happen this offseason.
Derrick Barnes’ contract extension projection: To be determined, but a contract extension is unlikely this offseason.
7. RB Jermar Jefferson (Seventh Round, No. 257 overall):
Jermar Jefferson has spent the majority of the past two seasons on the Lions’ practice squad, including finishing the most recent season on injured reserve. However, he signed a reserve/futures deal, which gives him an opportunity to showcase his abilities and compete for a roster spot. It’s possible that he could earn a place on the roster or remain on the practice squad, depending on his performance and the team’s evaluation.
As expected, Jefferson is not in line for a contract extension at this time, as he has yet to establish himself as a regular contributor on the team. His focus will be on proving himself during training camp and preseason to secure a spot on the active roster or further develop on the practice squad.
