The Detroit Lions have successfully gained $35.68 million in salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of two key players: receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and left tackle Penei Sewell. This move provides the Lions with over $38 million in total cap space, the second-highest in the NFL, which could facilitate roster improvements in 2026.
Key Restructure Details:
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: Converted $26 million of his salary into a signing bonus, reducing his cap number by $20.8 million this year. Future cap charges will increase to $5.2 million per year.
- Penei Sewell: Converted $18.6 million into a signing bonus, cutting his cap number by $14.88 million this year. Future charges will increase by $3.72 million each season.
This strategy not only allows for potential player acquisitions but also sets the stage for possible extensions for talents like Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. General manager Brad Holmes is keen on locking both players down long-term.
Significantly, this financial maneuvering provides flexibility for the Lions, whether to stack cap space for future years or engage more actively in free agency. Potential trade targets include cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is currently seeking a new contract.
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