BREAKING: Detroit Lions No. 1 Top-Rated Offensive Tackle Penei Sewell Signs a 4-Year Contract Extension, Securing His Future in Detroit

BREAKING: Detroit Lions No. 1 Top-Rated Offensive Tackle Penei Sewell Signs a 4-Year Contract Extension, Securing His Future in Detroit

April 14, 2025

 

DETROIT, MI — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Detroit Lions have officially secured the future of one of their most important players, Penei Sewell, by signing him to a 4-year contract extension that will keep the top-rated offensive tackle in Detroit through the 2029 season. The deal, reportedly worth $80 million with $50 million in guaranteed money, marks a historic moment for the Lions, signaling their commitment to building a dominant offensive line and solidifying their future on both sides of the ball.

 

This contract extension, signed on the dotted line earlier today, is a milestone not only for Sewell but also for the Lions’ front office, who have prioritized improving their offensive line since the departure of former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. For Sewell, it reflects both his impressive growth as one of the league’s premier tackles and his pivotal role in protecting the newly re-signed quarterback Jared Goff, who has played a key part in the team’s resurgence.

 

 

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A Rising Star in the NFL

 

Since being drafted by the Lions with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell has been nothing short of spectacular. Coming out of Oregon, where he was regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football, Sewell wasted no time in proving he was ready for the big leagues. His rookie season, although challenging in the early weeks, saw him quickly develop into one of the most reliable and effective tackles in the NFL.

 

By the end of his first season in Detroit, Sewell had already established himself as a top-tier left tackle, earning All-Rookie honors and impressing coaches and teammates alike with his athleticism, power, and versatility. The 6’5” 330-pound tackle’s ability to move defenders off the line, his superb footwork, and his high football IQ allowed him to shine in a position that often requires not only brute strength but also agility and mental acuity.

 

In 2022, Sewell’s protection skills were evident as he became a critical part of the Lions’ run-heavy offense, helping pave the way for running back Jamaal Williams to set a franchise record for rushing touchdowns. His ability to block on the move and dominate both in the run game and as a pass protector earned him recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL.

 

Sewell’s influence became even more evident in the 2023 season, when the Lions’ offense exploded under head coach Dan Campbell’s leadership. With Sewell leading the charge up front, Detroit ranked among the top 10 offenses in the league, showcasing a balanced attack that boasted both an effective passing game with Goff and a dominant ground game with running back David Montgomery.

 

 

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The Contract: What It Means for Sewell and the Lions

 

The 4-year contract extension is a clear statement by the Lions’ organization that they believe in Sewell as a cornerstone piece of their future. This deal not only makes Sewell one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL but also further solidifies the team’s long-term plans to build around their young offensive line.

 

For Sewell, this contract extension is a recognition of his hard work and exceptional performance since arriving in Detroit. The $80 million deal includes a $10 million signing bonus, with $50 million guaranteed—making it one of the largest contracts ever handed out to an offensive lineman in the franchise’s history. Sewell’s agent, Trey Stiles, expressed his excitement for the deal, stating:

DETROIT, MI — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Detroit Lions have officially secured the future of one of their most important players, Penei Sewell, by signing him to a 4-year contract extension that will keep the top-rated offensive tackle in Detroit through the 2029 season. The deal, reportedly worth $80 million with $50 million in guaranteed money, marks a historic moment for the Lions, signaling their commitment to building a dominant offensive line and solidifying their future on both sides of the ball.

 

This contract extension, signed on the dotted line earlier today, is a milestone not only for Sewell but also for the Lions’ front office, who have prioritized improving their offensive line since the departure of former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. For Sewell, it reflects both his impressive growth as one of the league’s premier tackles and his pivotal role in protecting the newly re-signed quarterback Jared Goff, who has played a key part in the team’s resurgence.

 

 

—

 

A Rising Star in the NFL

 

Since being drafted by the Lions with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell has been nothing short of spectacular. Coming out of Oregon, where he was regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football, Sewell wasted no time in proving he was ready for the big leagues. His rookie season, although challenging in the early weeks, saw him quickly develop into one of the most reliable and effective tackles in the NFL.

 

By the end of his first season in Detroit, Sewell had already established himself as a top-tier left tackle, earning All-Rookie honors and impressing coaches and teammates alike with his athleticism, power, and versatility. The 6’5” 330-pound tackle’s ability to move defenders off the line, his superb footwork, and his high football IQ allowed him to shine in a position that often requires not only brute strength but also agility and mental acuity.

 

In 2022, Sewell’s protection skills were evident as he became a critical part of the Lions’ run-heavy offense, helping pave the way for running back Jamaal Williams to set a franchise record for rushing touchdowns. His ability to block on the move and dominate both in the run game and as a pass protector earned him recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL.

 

Sewell’s influence became even more evident in the 2023 season, when the Lions’ offense exploded under head coach Dan Campbell’s leadership. With Sewell leading the charge up front, Detroit ranked among the top 10 offenses in the league, showcasing a balanced attack that boasted both an effective passing game with Goff and a dominant ground game with running back David Montgomery.

 

 

—

 

The Contract: What It Means for Sewell and the Lions

 

The 4-year contract extension is a clear statement by the Lions’ organization that they believe in Sewell as a cornerstone piece of their future. This deal not only makes Sewell one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL but also further solidifies the team’s long-term plans to build around their young offensive line.

 

For Sewell, this contract extension is a recognition of his hard work and exceptional performance since arriving in Detroit. The $80 million deal includes a $10 million signing bonus, with $50 million guaranteed—making it one of the largest contracts ever handed out to an offensive lineman in the franchise’s history. Sewell’s agent, Trey Stiles, expressed his excitement for the deal, stating: