The Detroit Lions walked into the 2025 NFL Honors with legitimate hopes of hearing their name called. Instead, they walked out empty-handed, and the most glaring omission of the night was Penei Sewell not winning Protector of the Year.
Let’s be blunt: this one was hard to justify.
Sewell was nominated for the inaugural Protector of the Year award, an honor meant to recognize the NFL’s best offensive lineman. By just about every measurable standard, Sewell wasn’t just good in 2025 — he was the best.
According to PFF, Sewell finished with a 95.2 overall grade, ranking first among all tackles. His 96.8 run-blocking grade also ranked first, while allowing just two sacks all season on nearly 1,000 offensive snaps. He committed only two penalties, consistently erased elite pass rushers, and was the foundation of Detroit’s offense.
And yet, the award went to Bears guard Joe Thuney.
Thuney is an excellent player. No one disputes that. But this wasn’t a “close call” situation — Sewell’s season stood apart. He wasn’t just dominant; he was dominant in ways that directly impacted wins, game plans, and defensive alignments. Teams schemed away from him. That’s the definition of elite.
What made the snub sting even more is that the Lions were already having a rough night. Detroit had nominees in three different categories and didn’t take home a single award. Sewell’s loss was the one that felt the most indefensible, especially given that this was the first-ever version of the award, a chance to set the standard.
Instead, the standard was missed.
The good news for the Lions? Awards don’t block edge rushers. Sewell will line up in 2026 as one of the most respected players in the league, hardware or not. Still, nights like this are frustrating, especially when excellence doesn’t get recognized.
If you needed a reminder that the Detroit Lions’ window is still wide open, ESPN just delivered one.
Last week, ESPN analyst Seth Walder released his list of the top 100 MVP candidates from the 2025 NFL season, ranking the players who had the biggest impact across the league. While the actual MVP race has been narrowed down to five finalists, Walder’s list offers a broader look at who truly drove success this past season.
For Lions fans, the takeaway is pretty simple: Detroit’s core is loaded.
Six Lions Earn MVP Consideration
Walder included six Detroit Lions on his top-100 list, and five of them cracked the top 50. That kind of representation puts Detroit among the NFL’s elite in terms of high-end talent.
That list alone tells the story of how Detroit is built: elite trench play, star skill-position talent, and a quarterback steady enough to keep everything humming.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Leads the Way
It’s no surprise that Amon-Ra St. Brown came in as Detroit’s highest-ranked player. At No. 17 overall, he once again proved he’s one of the most reliable and productive wide receivers in football. Week after week, St. Brown was the engine of the offense, making difficult catches, extending drives, and setting the tone with his physical style.
Hutchinson and Sewell Represent the Foundation
Right behind him were two players who embody the Lions’ identity.
Aidan Hutchinson at No. 22 continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most disruptive edge rushers, while Penei Sewell at No. 28 remains the gold standard at right tackle. When your defensive anchor and offensive cornerstone are both viewed as MVP-level contributors, you’re doing something right.
Goff, Campbell, and Gibbs Round Out the Core
Jared Goff landing at No. 33 reflects the respect he’s earned league-wide. He may not always dominate headlines, but his consistency and command of the offense remain critical to Detroit’s success.
Jack Campbell, checking in at No. 50, represents the next wave of Lions leadership on defense. His presence in the top 50 speaks volumes about how quickly he’s become a centerpiece in the middle of the field.
And then there’s Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 64. While running backs rarely crack MVP conversations, Gibbs’ explosiveness and versatility made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the league, even in a crowded offensive ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture for Detroit
This list isn’t about trophies — it’s about validation.
Six Lions earning MVP consideration reinforces what fans already know: Detroit isn’t built around one star. It’s built around a deep, balanced core capable of sustaining success year after year.
The championship window is still open. And ESPN just backed that up with numbers.
For a franchise that spent decades searching for relevance, seeing this many Lions in an MVP conversation — even an extended one — is a sign of how far Detroit has come… and how high the ceiling still is.
The Detroit Lions have released their Thursday injury report ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants, and as expected, several names from Wednesday remain on the list. Detroit entered the week a little banged up on both sides of the ball, so today’s participation levels offer the next big clue about who might actually suit up at Ford Field.
Thursday Injury Report
Player
Position
Injury
Wednesday*
Thursday
Friday
Game status
Terrion Arnold
CB
concussion
NP
NP
Kerby Joseph
S
knee
NP
NP
Brian Branch
S
toe
NP
LP
Taylor Decker
T
shoulder
NP
LP
Marcus Davenport
EDGE
shoulder
LP
LP
Graham Glasgow
C
knee
LP
LP
Josh Paschal
EDGE
back
LP
LP
Tate Ratledge
G
knee
LP
LP
D.J. Reed
CB
hamstring
LP
LP
Penei Sewell
T
ankle
NP
LP
Isaac TeSlaa
WR
oblique
LP
LP
Sione Vaki
RB
ankle
LP
LP
Khalil Dorsey
CB
wrist
not listed
FP
Miles Frazier
OL
knee
FP
FP
Malcolm Rodriguez
LB
knee
FP
FP
Jacob Saylors
RB
back
FP
FP
Brock Wright
TE
ankle
LP
FP
The Lions’ Thursday injury report showed a bit of movement, but several key starters remain question marks heading into Week 12. Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph remained out for the second straight day with concussion and knee issues, while Brian Branch, Taylor Decker, and Penei Sewell all upgraded from DNP to limited, a positive sign for Sunday. Most of Detroit’s banged-up rotation players, including Marcus Davenport, Graham Glasgow, Josh Paschal, Tate Ratledge, D.J. Reed, Isaac TeSlaa, Sione Vaki, and Brock Wright, continued practicing in some capacity. Meanwhile, Khalil Dorsey returned as a full participant, joining Miles Frazier, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jacob Saylors, all of whom remained full-go. The final game statuses will come on Friday, but the gradual upward trend is encouraging for a team trying to get healthy fast.
What’s Next
The Lions will practice again Friday, with the final official game status designations (Questionable, Doubtful, Out) landing shortly after. Sunday’s matchup with the Giants kicks off a three-game homestand that Detroit badly needs to take advantage of.
The Detroit Lions hit the practice field again on Wednesday as they begin full prep for their massive Week 11 showdown with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. And while there was plenty of good news, there were also a few eyebrow-raising absences that fans will be watching closely throughout the week.
According to a report from Kory Woods, several key players were not visible during the open portion of practice, including multiple starters on both sides of the ball.
Let’s break it all down.
Several Key Lions Missing From Wednesday’s Practice
The Lions are heading into their biggest game of the season, and they’re doing it while juggling some significant injuries.
Sources say the following players were not spotted at today’s session:
Sam LaPorta (back)
Terrion Arnold (concussion)
Kerby Joseph (knee)
Pat O’Connor (knee)
None of these are small names, but two in particular jump off the page.
LaPorta, who has taken a massive leap forward in Dan Campbell’s run-heavy, smash-mouth version of the offense, has been battling a back issue. Backs can be touchy, and the Lions aren’t taking chances with one of the best two-way tight ends in the league.
Arnold, meanwhile, remains in concussion protocol. He’s been a game-changer in Year 2 and is coming off his best stretch of football before the injury. With the Eagles on deck, the Lions would love to have him available.
Kerby Joseph’s knee injury is also one to monitor closely. He and Brian Branch have become one of the most electric safety duos in football, and losing Joseph for a primetime game would be a massive defensive shake-up.
The Lions’ star edge rusher missed Tuesday’s session with an elbow injury, but he returned today, backing up everything he said when speaking to reporters earlier this week.
On Wednesday, Hutchinson brushed off any concern and made it clear he’s playing Sunday night.
“We’ll be good though. Just a little bump in the road but we’re good.” “Upper body… I don’t even know,” he joked. And when asked if he was worried about missing the game: “Not at all.”
That’s the kind of energy Lions fans needed going into a battle with Jalen Hurts, and the kind of energy this entire roster feeds off.
More Positive News: Multiple Lions Return to Action
Along with Hutchinson, three more familiar faces were back on the practice field:
Penei Sewell (ankle)
Brock Wright (ankle)
Sione Vaki (ankle)
Sewell’s return is massive. He’s the heartbeat of the offensive line and one of the most dominant tackles in football. With Philadelphia’s pass rush looming, having Sewell healthy again is a game-changer.
Wright’s return gives Detroit a little more stability at tight end while LaPorta nurses his back.
And Vaki, one of the Lions’ most Swiss-army-knife weapons, continues progressing toward a full workload.
This week feels like a roller coaster, but the Lions got back several starters who are critical to their identity.
The Big Picture
The Lions are 6-3. The Eagles are 7-2. And everyone knows what’s at stake this week.
Detroit has been fighting through injuries all season, and somehow, Dan Campbell’s squad keeps finding ways to stabilize, reload, and punch back harder.
Missing LaPorta or Arnold would hurt… but getting Hutchinson and Sewell back for a primetime game in Philly? That’s huge.
Keep an eye on Thursday and Friday’s reports. Those will tell us everything.
The Detroit Lions took a beating up front in their 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, with four of their five starting offensive linemen leaving the game at some point to be checked by medical staff. But on Monday, head coach Dan Campbelloffered a sigh of relief for fans, most of the damage isn’t long-term.
Campbell confirmed what many feared: Christian Mahogany will be out “for a long time.”
“For what the injury is, it’s a broken bone, relative to injuries, that’s a good thing,” Campbell said as quoted by Pride of Detroit. “It’ll heal up, and it’ll be stronger than it was before.”
The key detail? His knee is fine. That’s a major bullet dodged.
Updates on Decker and Sewell
As for the bookends of the line, both Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell avoided serious setbacks. Decker briefly exited Sunday’s game with a knee issue while still dealing with a lingering shoulder injury. Sewell also made a trip to the locker room holding his shoulder, but returned without missing a snap.
Campbell said neither tackle is expected to practice early this week, but he doesn’t believe their injuries will affect their long-term availability.
“Nothing sounds long-term, which is good. It’s good news,” Campbell said. “I think it’s more about, are they going to be able to practice this week, and are they going to be able to play this week? But nothing beyond that.”
That’s about as encouraging as it gets after a game that left Lions fans holding their breath.
Rookie Guard Tate Ratledge Appears Fine
The other lineman to go down was rookie Tate Ratledge, who briefly exited with a shoulder injury before returning to the field. Campbell kept it short and sweet when asked for an update:
“Yeah, I think Tate will be okay,” he said.
Given how important Ratledge has been to Detroit’s ground game and interior protection, that’s a huge sigh of relief.
In short, the Lions’ offensive line, the engine of their physical identity, dodged disaster. Christian Mahogany will miss time, but it’s an injury that should fully heal. The rest of the line looks poised to stay intact for the playoff push, assuming rest and treatment go as planned.
The Commanders come next in Week 10, and Campbell knows protecting Jared Goff is priority number one. Thankfully, it sounds like his big men will be ready to keep biting kneecaps soon enough.
When it comes to leadership,Jared Goffhas never been about flash; he’s about connection. And during his recent appearance on the Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast, the Detroit Lions quarterback peeled back the curtain on one of the most underrated parts of his success: his relationship with his offensive line.
Goff’s conversation with Bush offered a rare, candid glimpse into what makes this Lions team click: dinners, gifts, laughter, and a genuine brotherhood that’s built far beyond the football field.
“We’re Always Joking Around”
Speaking on Hot Mics, Goff couldn’t help but smile as he described the chemistry he shares with his linemen, the guys who keep him upright on Sundays.
“We’re always joking around… we’ll do a big O-line dinner… I take care of those boys,” Goff said on the podcast.
Those dinners, Goff explained, have become a regular part of the Lions’ team culture. He takes pride in showing appreciation to his offensive line, whether through meals or gifts, because he understands just how much they mean to his success.
“The amount of food they can put down is… something,” Goff laughed. “I love those guys… Christmas, you’ve got to get creative.”
It’s classic Goff, humble, lighthearted, but deeply appreciative. For him, these dinners are more than team bonding. They’re a show of gratitude to the men who give him the time and space to make plays.
“I take care of those boys,” Goff emphasized, repeating it like a mantra that sums up his leadership style.
Built on Trust and Brotherhood
Goff’s bond with his offensive line is about more than food or jokes; it’s about trust. In football, chemistry off the field often determines success on it. And the Lions’ offensive line, anchored by Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, is proof of that principle.
Every clean pocket, every completed throw starts with mutual respect. And Goff knows it.
“It’s not just about gifts — it’s trust,” he said on Hot Mics. “They know I’ve got their back, and I know they’ve got mine.”
That sense of loyalty is something head coach Dan Campbell has cultivated from day one. The Lions’ locker room thrives on accountability and camaraderie, and Goff’s leadership is now an extension of that culture.
A Quarterback Growing Into His Prime
At 31 years old, Goff is in what he calls the “sweet spot” of his career, the perfect blend of experience and confidence. On Hot Mics, he reflected not only on his connection with teammates but also on how his leadership has evolved since his early days in the league.
“My leadership style has changed over the years; I’ve become much more comfortable voicing my opinion,” Goff admitted.
That comfort has been key in Detroit’s rise. The once-underestimated quarterback has become the steady heartbeat of a Super Bowl-contending roster. He’s not just the Lions’ QB, he’s their tone-setter, both on and off the field.
Goff’s relationship with his linemen, dinners, Christmas gifts, inside jokes, isn’t a PR stunt. It’s real. It’s the human side of leadership that keeps locker rooms tight and offenses in sync.
He’s not above his teammates; he’s alongside them. And that approach has resonated in Detroit, where the Lions have built one of the league’s most unified locker rooms.
For Goff, leading with gratitude isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the key to winning football.
The Bottom Line
Jared Goff’s appearance on the Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast didn’t just showcase a quarterback talking shop; it revealed the blueprint for Detroit’s culture. The dinners, the laughter, the gifts, they’re not just traditions. They’re a reflection of who Goff is and what the Lions have built.
A quarterback who takes care of his offensive line is a quarterback who understands what leadership truly means.
“We’re always joking around… I take care of those boys.”
That bond, built on trust and gratitude, is the invisible shield that keeps QB1 standing tall, and the Detroit Lions roaring.
In an exclusive interview with Tyler Dunne of GoLong.com, Muhammad opened up about the now-famous practice altercation that took place during the 2024 season. It wasn’t about bad blood. It was about setting a tone.
“That is my game. That was my interview,” Muhammad says. “I’m going 100 miles per hour.”
Going head-to-head with Sewell, one of the top offensive tackles in the league, Muhammad said he treated every rep like it was game day. But the intensity got out of control, and before long, things nearly turned physical.
“It came close. Came close,” Muhammad repeats. “There were some words. We stopped practice. He understands. He gets it. And that’s my boy. But that’s what you want! When I came here, I said this is the perfect situation.”
Proving He Belonged in Detroit
That fiery moment from 2024 wasn’t just about a scuffle; it was part of Muhammad’s journey to prove he belonged in Detroit.
After bouncing around the league and spending time on practice squads, the veteran edge rusher said he learned early on to treat every rep like an audition. His former position coach Terrell Williams helped instill that mindset, challenging him daily to “take someone’s spot.”
That mentality has carried over into the 2025 season, where Muhammad has made a clear impact with 18 pressures, 4.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits through six games.
The Edge Dan Campbell Loves
Muhammad’s intensity fits perfectly with Dan Campbell’s vision for the Lions, a team built on grit, aggression, and accountability.
What happened with Sewell in 2024 wasn’t a negative moment. It was a spark. It showed Campbell that Muhammad wasn’t afraid to challenge anyone, even one of the NFL’s elite linemen.
And Sewell? According to Muhammad, the two quickly squashed it.
“He gets it,” Muhammad said. “And that’s my boy.”
Those kinds of moments, where teammates push each other to their limits, are exactly what make Detroit’s locker room different.
The Bottom Line
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s 2024 practice clash with Penei Sewell wasn’t just a near-fight; it was a glimpse into the culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit.
In his exclusive interview with GoLong.com’sTyler Dunne, Muhammad made it clear: he’s not here to coast. He’s here to compete, to dominate, and to embody the fire that fuels this Lions team.
That practice might have ended early, but its message has carried over, Detroit’s defense isn’t just loud; it’s alive.
The Detroit Lionscontinued their red-hot start to the 2025 season with a 37–24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, marking their fourth straight win. The latest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades highlight which players stood out and which struggled in another dominant team performance.
Detroit’s formula for success remains the same: physical dominance on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Jack Campbell and Aidan Hutchinson continue to anchor the defense, while Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown lead a balanced, efficient offense. The Lions now sit at 4–1, with their sights set firmly on the top of the NFC.
The Detroit Lions found out the hard way in Week 1 that Micah Parsons is every bit as disruptive in Green Bay as he was in Dallas. Facing the two-time defending NFC North champs, the Packers unleashed their new star pass rusher, and the results weren’t pretty for Detroit.
In a 27-13 loss that looked worse on the field than the scoreboard suggested, quarterback Jared Goff was under constant pressure, and right tackle Penei Sewellhad one of his toughest outings as a pro. Parsons got to Goff for a sack and added several pressures, all in just 29 snaps. For a Lions offensive line that has long been a point of pride, it was a humbling reminder of the challenge ahead.
A New Rivalry for Parsons
Parsons, who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers this offseason, admitted he’s been searching for a new personal measuring stick since leaving the NFC East. For years, his matchups with Eagles All-Pro Lane Johnson were must-watch TV. Now, Parsons says Sewell is the man he plans to test himself against twice a year.
“I’m not gonna be able to get rid of him,” Parsons said after the game. “He’s a hell of a player. I told him, I said, ‘You’re my new rivalry now. I don’t got Lane no more. It’s gonna be you. I’mma see you twice a year, so you might as well buckle up.’”
That’s a stern warning, and a sign that Sewell, despite struggling in this particular duel, has earned Parsons’ respect as a worthy adversary.
What It Means for the Lions
For Sewell and the Lions, the challenge now is figuring out how to respond. One rough game doesn’t define a season, but against a division rival, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Detroit’s offensive identity has long been rooted in physical dominance up front. If Sewell and the line can’t stabilize, it puts even more pressure on Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and the rest of the offense to compensate.
The Lions don’t have long to dwell on it either. Parsons has circled this matchup as a rivalry, meaning every time these two meet, the spotlight will only get brighter. For Sewell, it’s a chance to turn a shaky opener into motivation for the next battle.
The Bottom Line
Micah Parsons didn’t just make a statement on the field in Week 1, he made one off it too. By calling out Penei Sewell as his new rival, he set the stage for one of the NFC North’s most compelling matchups for years to come. If Sewell rises to the challenge, Lions-Packers games will feature one of the NFL’s best trench wars every time they clash.
Leadership matters as much as talent, and theDetroit Lionsjust made it official: six players have been chosen as team captains for the 2025 NFL season. After a 15-2 campaign in 2024 and sky-high expectations entering 2025, these captains represent the heartbeat of a roster built on grit, accountability, and a win-now mentality.
The Lead
The Lions announced their 2025 captains on Monday:
It’s a mix of stars, veterans, and glue guys, exactly the type of leadership core Dan Campbell has emphasized since he took over.
Jared Goff: The Steady Hand
Jared Goff has been the calming presence in Detroit’s locker room since his arrival. Coming off a 2024 campaign where he threw for over 4,600 yards and 37 touchdowns, he remains the engine of the league’s top-scoring offense. His captaincy is as much about poise and decision-making as it is about production.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Heartbeat
No surprise here. Amon-Ra St. Brown has become the emotional spark for the Lions’ offense. His fiery competitiveness, relentless preparation, and big-game production (115 catches, 1,263 yards, 12 TDs in 2024) make him a natural leader. St. Brown embodies Campbell’s “grit” mantra.
Penei Sewell: The Enforcer
Penei Sewell is one of the best tackles in football and the undisputed anchor of Detroit’s offensive line. His leadership extends beyond the trenches; he sets the tone with toughness, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to protecting Goff’s blindside.
Aidan Hutchinson: The Face of the Defense
Aidan Hutchinson’s presence as a captain cements him as the Lions’ defensive cornerstone. Even after an injury-shortened 2024, Hutchinson’s work ethic and intensity make him the natural voice of the defense. With Kelvin Sheppard now leading the defense as coordinator, Hutchinson’s role as a bridge between coach and players is massive.
Alex Anzalone: The Veteran Voice
The long-haired linebacker has been Campbell’s extension on the field for years. Alex Anzalone is one of the most trusted communicators on defense, making sure the unit stays aligned and disciplined. His leadership isn’t flashy, but it’s steady, and the younger linebackers look to him for guidance.
Grant Stuard: The Special Teams Warrior
Every successful team has a player like Grant Stuard, a relentless worker who makes his presence felt on every kick and coverage unit. Stuard’s captaincy shows the Lions value all three phases, and his recognition is a nod to the toughness and energy he brings daily.
The Bigger Picture
Detroit’s captains aren’t just stars, they’re culture carriers. From Goff’s calm leadership to St. Brown’s fiery passion, Sewell’s physical dominance, Hutchinson’s defensive anchor role, Anzalone’s steady presence, and Stuard’s all-out effort, this group perfectly reflects the Lions’ identity.
The Lions are no longer the NFL’s underdogs. They’re contenders. And in a season where expectations are higher than ever, these six captains will be charged with keeping Detroit focused, grounded, and hungry.
The Bottom Line
The Lions’ 2025 captains aren’t just names on a list, they’re the pillars of a locker room chasing a Super Bowl. Campbell has his leaders. Now, it’s time to see if they can guide Detroit to the NFL’s biggest stage.
The NFL’s Week 1 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers just got a lot more intriguing, and a lot more expensive for Lions backers.
Prior to Thursday’s stunning trade that sent Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers, oddsmakers at DraftKings had Green Bay as a slim 1.5-point favorite over Detroit. But once the deal was made official, the line shifted quickly.
Currently, the Packers are listed as 2.5-point favorites against the Lions.
Why the Shift?
Sportsbooks don’t often move a line a full point unless it’s tied to something major, like an injury to a star quarterback, or in this case, the acquisition of one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.
Micah Parsons, widely regarded as a top-three defensive player in the NFL, brings game-changing speed and pass-rush ability. For Detroit, that means Jared Goff and the offensive line, already tasked with slowing down Green Bay’s front seven, just inherited an even tougher assignment.
The Bigger Picture
The Lions entered the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations after a 15-2 campaign a year ago. But their divisional opener against the Packers was always going to be a test. Now, with Parsons wearing green and gold, the stakes feel even higher.
If Parsons makes an immediate impact, this spread may not be done moving.
The Bottom Line
The Micah Parsons trade didn’t just shake up the NFC North on the field, it shook up the sportsbooks too. Lions fans will argue Detroit’s offensive line, anchored by Penei Sewell, is still good enough to neutralize Parsons. Packers fans will say he’s the missing piece to their defensive puzzle.
Either way, Week 1 just became must-watch football.
Pro Football Focus recently released a 2021 NFL re-draft, and unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, their original picks in the actual draft didn’t fall their way this time around. Originally, the Lions made an outstanding selection with offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 7 overall, but in this re-draft scenario, they had to go a different route.
Sewell Snatched By Bengals
In the re-draft, Penei Sewell was off the board early, going to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 5 overall. According to Pro Football Focus, Sewell has been as good as advertised since entering the NFL, with an impressive career grade of 90.8. The Bengals, with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase unavailable in this re-draft, opted for the sturdy tackle to protect their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow.
The Lions, unfortunately, missed out on Sewell, who has been a vital part of their offensive line since joining the team.
Miami Grabs St. Brown
To make matters even more painful for Lions fans, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was originally drafted in the fourth round by Detroit, soared all the way to No. 6 overall in the re-draft, going to the Miami Dolphins. St. Brown’s rise in the league has been meteoric, finishing in the top five of Pro Football Focus’ receiver rankings over the past two years.
With St. Brown off the board, the Lions were forced to look elsewhere.
Christian Darrisaw: A Solid Consolation Prize
In this re-draft, with both Sewell and St. Brown gone, the Lions were “forced” to settle for Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw at No. 7 overall. Though losing out on Sewell stings, Darrisaw is hardly a bad option. In fact, he’s emerged as one of the best tackles in the NFL, boasting a stellar career grade of 92.4 and ranking among the top blockers in the league over the past two seasons. It’s not Sewell, but the Lions still land a quality starter to anchor their offensive line.
Alim McNeill Cracks The First Round
In another twist, Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who recently signed a 4-year contract extension with Detroit, ended up being selected with the No. 17 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the re-draft. McNeill, originally selected in the third round by the Lions, has developed into one of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen. In 2023, McNeill was ranked as the eighth-best interior defender by Pro Football Focus.
The Raiders, who originally selected Alex Leatherwood with the No. 17 pick, corrected their mistake by nabbing McNeill to fortify their defensive front.
The Lions’ Re-Draft Takeaway
Though the Lions missed out on their original stars like Sewell and St. Brown, Pro Football Focus’ re-draft still left Detroit with a solid pick in Darrisaw. And seeing McNeill skyrocket into the first round reinforces the notion that the Lions’ scouting and draft approach has been on point in recent years. While settling for Darrisaw may not feel great in comparison to retaining Sewell or St. Brown, the Lions still come out of the re-draft with foundational players, proving their draft class was loaded with talent.
The Detroit Lions and New York Giants took their football feud to the next level with a joint practice on Monday—a golden chance for players to mix it up with someone from a different locker room. And oh boy, did they make the most of it.
Within just a few plays, Detroit Lions‘ Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams decided to turn up the heat against the Giants’ secondary, resulting in a scrum that was more action-packed than a Monday Night Raw match.
Now, these shoving matches aren’t exactly rare when rivals collide, but this one definitely made a mark. The highlight? Watching Penei Sewell’s massive frame making its entrance into the fray. It was like watching a moving truck get caught in a traffic jam of Giants trying to take him down.
After a few more exchanges that could’ve doubled as a dance-off, everyone eventually cooled down, and practice resumed. Fans got a show they won’t soon forget, and the players got a chance to test out their moves without worrying about personal fouls. Talk about a win-win-win—great practice, great entertainment, and no penalty flags in sight!
DETROIT (AP) — Taylor Decker endured a lot of losing early in his career with the Detroit Lions and the team plans to have the veteran offensive tackle around to potentially experience some success, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
Decker signed a $60 million, three-year extension Monday, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not announced.
Detroit drafted Decker out of Ohio State with the No. 16 pick overall in 2016 and he was entering the last year of his contract before reaching the new deal.
“It’s not lost on me on the fact that a lot of guys don’t get to spend their whole career with one team, and hopefully that’s in the cards for me,” said Decker, who turns 30 in August. “From the contract extension, that seems like it’s in the cards. I’m very fortunate.”
Decker has started 112 games in his career, including 15 in the 2023 regular season when the NFC North champion Lions advanced to the NFC championship game. He has started at least 15 games in six seasons while injuries limited him to nine games in 2021 and eight in 2017.
Detroit’s offensive line is perhaps the strength of the team and Decker is the leader of the unit, which includes All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell and three-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow.
The Lions won nine games in Decker’s rookie season and made the playoffs. After matching the win total the next season in 2017, during coach Jim Caldwell’s final season, Detroit lost 46 games over the next four years in two-plus seasons under Matt Patricia and in Dan Campbell’s debut season with the franchise.
A late-season surge in 2022 started a turnaround and the Lions took another step last season, matching a team record with 12 wins and earning two victories in one postseason for the first time since 1957.
“I’m glad that the Lions continue to see the value I can add to this team, moving forward,” Decker said. “I’m excited to see it through. This will be nine years I’ve been here now. There’s been highs and lows, and it seems like we’re on an upswing right now.”
After speculation that the Eagles would be paying their WR2 next after agreeing to a 3-year $66M extension with Jordan Mailata just two weeks ago. News finally broke on Monday that not only would DeVonta Smith’s 5th year be picked up, but it also came with a nifty 3-year extension.
The Eagles will now have the following players on the offense under contract through 2026:
QB Jalen Hurts
QB Kenny Pickett
WR A.J. Brown
WR DeVonta Smith
RB Saquon Barkley
LT Jordan Mailata
LG Landon Dickerson
OL Tyler Steen
RT Lane Johnson
Not a bad thing to have 8 offensive starters under contract for the next 3 seasons!
But how did the Eagles get all these top tier players under contract without being well over the cap? (like the Saints have been for years)
Ahead Of The League
This is now back to back off-seasons where Howie Roseman and co. have been able to extend franchise cornerstone players before the other 31 teams in the league came to terms with their counterparts.
QB Frenzy
Starting with Jalen Hurts on April 17th 2023. A 5 year, $255M contract was signed ahead of the following quarterbacks
Joe Burrow – 5 years, $275M signed on September 7th 2023
Justin Herbert – 5 years, $262.5M signed on July 25th 2023
Lamar Jackson – 5 years, $260M signed on April 27th 2023
Offensive Line Mania
Not only did the Eagles get away with drafting Jordan Mailata in the 7th round of the 2018 draft. They’ve now extended him. Twice! While doing so, the Eagles have gotten ahead by signing Mailata to a 3 year, $66M deal. Now under contract until 2029.
There weren’t many Offensive Tackles looking to be signed this off-season, but getting an extra 3 years from Mailata at $22M was perfect value giving some previously signed OT’s including:
Laremy Tunsil – 3 year, $75M signed on March 19th 2023
Andrew Thomas – 5 year, $117.5M signed on July 26th 2023
However, this was the perfect market to get the Left Tackle signed for those extra years. Because the following will be due for a 5th year option and probable extensions in the next year.
Penei Sewell – drafted 7th overall 2021
Rashawn Slater – drafted 11th overall 2021
Ronnie Stanley – 5 year, $98.75M signed in 2020
Setting The WR Market
And that’s exactly how the Eagles have set the WR market with DeVonta Smith’s new deal.
Had the Eagles not worked as quickly as possible on this deal. They would’ve been at risk of the following Receivers potentially getting record breaking deals done first.
Since we don’t have contract money for these other receivers, let’s keep it simple and compare Yards/TDs.
DeVonta Smith – 50GP, 3,178 Rec Yards, 19 TD. signed a 3 year, $75M deal.
Justin Jefferson – 60GP, 5,899 Rec Yards, 30 TD. On a 5th year option for $19.74M
Ja’Marr Chase – 45GP, 3,717 Rec Yards, 29 TD.
Tee Higgins – 53GP, 3,684 Rec Yards, 24TD. On a $21.8M Franchise Tag
CeeDee Lamb – 61GP, 5,145 Rec Yards, 32TD. On a 5th year option for $17.99M
With DeVonta Smith’s extension checked off the offseason to-do list. The next big milestone will be the draft. Just one week away.
