The Detroit Lions have locked up another one of their franchise cornerstones on Wednesday, with the team agreeing to terms on a massive four-year deal with right tackle Penei Sewell.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the four-year deal is worth $112 million, with an astounding $85 million guaranteed. While the total value of the contract ranks third among offensive linemen, the annual average ($28 million) and guaranteed money both rank first.
Per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Sewell will actually make an average of $30 million per over the first three years of the deal.
The previous highs for annual average and guaranteed money belonged to Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil ($25 million per) and New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas ($67 million), respectively.
Sewell has blown right past both of those marks, and deservedly so, as he's one of the very best tackles in the NFL after getting two Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro in the past two seasons.
Lions' 4-year extension with Penei Sewell runs thru '29.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 24, 2024
• Detroit picked up 5th-year option this AM, making this a 6-year deal.
• ~$63M over 1st 3 years. Was due just ~$23M over next 2, so $40M for 1st new year.
• ~$87M over first 4 years.
• Rolling guarantee structure. https://t.co/B6YBfDD7jd
This is the second record-setting contract the Lions handed out Wednesday. Detroit also inked wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a four-year deal worth more than $120 million that includes a record $77 million guaranteed. The annual average of the deal is also tops in the NFL.
Clearly the Lions are not messing around with their best players, and that couldn't be better news for the fans and the long-term health of the franchise.