The Detroit Lions recently restructured contracts for players Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown, relieving salary cap pressures significantly. Initially facing potential cap issues, the restructures have positioned them to have the second-most cap space in the NFL, following the San Francisco 49ers.
Details of the Restructures:
Penei Sewell:
- Previous 2026 Salary: $19.9 million
- New 2026 Salary: $1.3 million
- Restructured Signing Bonus: $18.6 million (spread over five years as a $3.72 million cap hit).
Old Cap Hits:
- 2026: $28 million
- 2027: $32 million
- 2028: $34 million
- 2029: $27 million
New Cap Hits:
- 2026: $13.12 million (down $14.88 million)
- 2027: $35.72 million (up $3.72 million)
- 2028: $37.72 million (up $3.72 million)
- 2029: $30.72 million (up $3.72 million)
- 2030 (Void): $3.72 million (up $3.72 million)
This restructure effectively creates almost $15 million in cap space for 2026 while adding future obligations.
Amon-Ra St. Brown:
- Previous 2026 Salary: $27.5 million (converted $26 million to signing bonus)
Old Cap Hits:
- 2026: $33.11 million
- 2027: $28.98 million
- 2028: $26.01 million
New Cap Hits:
- 2026: $12.31 million (down $20.8 million)
- 2027: $34.18 million (up $5.2 million)
- 2028: $31.21 million (up $5.2 million)
- 2029: $27.1 million (up $10.4 million)
Summary
In total, the Lions have generated $35.68 million in 2026 cap space, primarily shifting costs to future years, bringing their total cap space to over $38 million. This strategic financial maneuver allows the Lions greater flexibility for potential roster moves in the upcoming season.
