Lions Extend OT Sewell

24 hours before all eyes are on Detroit, who is hosting the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions continued to secure their core players.

The Lions and offensive tackle Penei Sewell have agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million extension that includes $85 million guaranteed, keeping him in the ‘Motor City’ under contract through the 2029 campaign after taking into consideration Sewell’s fifth-year option, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

The $28 million in new-money averaged over four years makes Sewell the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, surpassing the Houston Texans Laremy Tunsil’s $25 million per year mark.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Sewell has been an anchor on the offensive line since day one, missing just one start (Week 18, 2021) over that time frame. He showed off his versatility during his rookie season, kicking off the year at left tackle in place of an injured Taylor Decker. Sewell then shifted back to the right side where he has been a rock and people-mover in the Lions’ offense.

The former Oregon product has earned consecutive Pro Bowl nods and was named a 2023 first-team All-Pro.

Sewell has gained the trust of his teammates and coaches. As a team captain, he embodies everything Dan Campbell’s club treasures. He is a hard-nosed offense tackle willing to get down and dirty in the trenches to make the offense function as a well-oiled machine at its highest potential. With a dog’s mentality between the lines, Sewell is arguably the best run-blocking tackle in the entire league, displaying the heart and athleticism to get out in space when needed. He is also a reliable pass protector, giving up just three sacks over the past two years combined, per Pro Football Focus. He also earned one career catch for nine yards that went for a critical first down in 2022.

Sewell is the key cog of a Lions offense that wants to ram the ball down an opponent’s throat and dice them up utilizing the play action game with signal caller Jared Goff.

Sewell’s gigantic payday is the latest reminder that an elite right tackle can be as important in today’s NFL as a left tackle.

The Sewell extension occurred on the same day Detroit reached a massive pact with star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. With the draft on tap, general manager Brad Holmes made a resounding statement that he is willing to pay market-setting prices for franchise-altering players.

The next order of business likely to happen in Motown is Goff’s extension.