The next five Detroit Lions players up for a contract extension
Which Detroit Lions players are next in line for a contract extension after three important players signed agreements this offseason?
Before the NFL Draft in Detroit, the Lions secured wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell with substantial contract extensions. Subsequently, during the period between rookie minicamp and the following OTAs phase, quarterback Jared Goff also received a significant contract extension.
Brad Holmes’ fundamental strategy for roster construction revolves around nurturing and rewarding the Lions’ own players. The team is prepared to invest financially in their core players who demonstrate their value, and more such significant contracts are on the horizon as Holmes consistently succeeds in the draft. However, not every player will immediately excel like St. Brown and Sewell did in their rookie season in 2021.
It’s important to consider who might be the next candidate for a contract extension from the Lions. Presented in somewhat chronological order, but also considering priority, here are five players who are next in line for a contract extension:
5. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu
Injuries have plagued Melifonwu over his initial three NFL seasons, including a hand injury that confined him to special teams duty for a period last season. However, when he replaced Tracy Walker in the starting lineup after regaining full health, from Week 14 through the Divisional Round of the playoffs, he ranked as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-highest graded safety (80.3 overall grade). During this period, he accumulated five sacks, 42 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, eight quarterback hits, and garnered a 79.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Melifonwu is entering the final year of his rookie contract. If he can replicate his late-season performance consistently over a full, injury-free season this year, or come close to it, he is likely to earn an extension with the Lions.