The Lions have restructured contracts for their star players, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and left tackle Penei Sewell, according to Spotrac. This move created $35.68 million in cap space.
St. Brown signed a four-year, $120 million extension in 2024 and has three years and $88 million left on his deal. The Lions converted $26 million of his salary into a signing bonus, freeing up $20.8 million in cap room, but this will add $5.2 million to his future cap hits, as noted by Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap.
Sewell, who signed a four-year, $112 million extension in 2024, had $18.6 million of his salary converted to a signing bonus, resulting in a $14.88 million cap savings. His future cap hits will increase by $3.72 million annually, with an additional void year added in 2030. He has four years and $92 million remaining on his contract, with $32 million guaranteed through 2027.
The Lions, looking to improve after a disappointing nine-win season in 2025, continue to rely on St. Brown and Sewell for elite performance. In 2025, St. Brown recorded 117 catches for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns, making it his third consecutive year with over 115 receptions and double-digit touchdowns.
Sewell earned first-team All-Pro honors for the third straight year and was a Pro Bowler for the fourth consecutive season in 2025, shifting from right tackle to left tackle after the release of Taylor Decker. Rookie Blake Miller will take over Sewell’s former role.
Having started with limited cap space, the Lions are now $38.2 million under budget, second only to the 49ers at $45.5 million. This flexibility allows them potential in-season moves ahead of the trade deadline on November 10. Additionally, unused cap space this year can carry over to 2027, enabling the Lions to pursue contract extensions for key players like Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch.
