Penei Sewell. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Lions agree to record-setting extension with star OT

By William Schwartz | Last updated 4/24/24

The Detroit Lions broke out their checkbook Wednesday. After handing out a major contract to wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, they made history by reaching an agreement on a huge contract with star offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

It's the largest agreed to by an offensive lineman at $112 million for four years, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal reportedly includes $85 million worth of guaranteed money.

Lions are signing OT Penei Sewell to a four-year, $112 million deal that is the largest given to an offensive lineman, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2024

Sewell, the seventh overall pick in 2021, was viewed as a generational line prospect coming out of Oregon. He was named to the NFL's all-rookie team in his first season, made the Pro Bowl in each of the following two campaigns and was named an AP first-team All-Pro after a phenomenal 2023 in which his Lions made a historic run to the NFC Championship game.

The rising star tackle is just 23, so he should realistically have a huge future ahead of him. This deal could be viewed as a bargain before long as it's hard to overpay for truly elite offensive tackle play — and Sewell projects to continue to be one of the very best for a long time.

Wednesday has been a huge day for Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who selected Sewell and St. Brown in his first draft at the helm.

He has made a major statement regarding the belief he has in his team's young talent, and he has shown that the Lions are all in as far as competing for championships in the next few years.

More must-reads: