Five Detroit Lions players who are next in line for a contract extension

The day before the NFL Draft in Detroit, the Lions extended wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell with significant new contracts. Following this, during the gap week between rookie minicamp and the next phase of OTAs, quarterback Jared Goff also received a substantial contract extension.

Brad Holmes’ strategy for building the roster is centered around developing and then rewarding the team’s own players. The Lions are willing to invest financially in their core players who demonstrate they are deserving of such investments. As Holmes continues to excel in the draft, more paydays are on the horizon. However, not all players will be as immediately impactful as St. Brown and Sewell were in their rookie year of 2021.

It’s worth considering which players might be next for a contract extension from the Lions. Presented somewhat chronologically, but also with a focus on prioritization, here are five players likely next in line for a contract extension.

5 Detroit Lions Players Who Are Next in Line for a Contract Extension
5. S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Injuries have affected Melifonwu throughout his first three NFL seasons, including a hand issue that limited him to special teams for a portion of last season. However, once he replaced Tracy Walker in the starting lineup from Week 14 through the Divisional Round of the playoffs, he was Pro Football Focus’ seventh-highest graded safety (80.3 overall grade). During this period, he recorded five sacks, 42 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, eight quarterback hits, and a 79.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Melifonwu is entering the final year of his rookie contract. If he can maintain his late-season performance over a full, healthy season, he is likely to remain with the Lions for several more years.