Detroit Lions sign Penei Sewell to contract extension, making him NFL’s highest-paid OL

Posted by author April 24, 2024 Football

The Detroit Lions have signed offensive tackle Penei Sewell to a contract extension.

The Lions’ seventh overall pick has inked a contract to remain in Detroit for the foreseeable future. His new deal is worth $112 million over four years with $85 million guaranteed, according to reports. This extension is the second to be reported Wednesday, as he joins Amon-Ra St. Brown.

St. Brown inked a four-year deal worth over $120 million earlier Wednesday to become the highest-paid wide receiver. Sewell, now, becomes the highest-paid offensive lineman.

The Lions had the option to extend Sewell’s contract another year through the league’s fifth-year option afforded to first-round picks. The Oregon product was eligible as a 2021 first-rounder. He was the first pick to be made by Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes and is now fully established as a cornerstone piece for the franchise.

Sewell had a 92.8 Pro Football Focus offensive grade last season, the highest of any Lion. He allowed just 25 total pressures combined in the regular and postseason on a cumulative amount of true pass-blocking sets.

For his efforts, Sewell was named a Pro Bowl selection as well as a First-Team All-Pro. It marked the second Pro Bowl appearance and first All-Pro honors of his career.

With St. Brown and Sewell both locked up, the Lions have now cemented their 2021 Draft class as one of the best in franchise history with two players currently becoming the highest-paid at their respective positions.

The Lions will also have to make a decision on the future for quarterback Jared Goff and offensive tackle Taylor Decker, as both are among the players entering the final year of their current contracts.