Lions News

[whatever_gong82]

https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/16/24074366/7-detroit-lions-contracts-automatically-void-dead-cap-totals

[whatever_gong82]

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/02/16/jason-cabinda-detroit-lions-nfl/72612014007/

[Sanders Fan]

I’ve read that Sanders fan is going to the moon in March

I can neither confirm nor deny that I will be going.

[CGVT]

I can neither confirm nor deny that I will be going.

Maybe DWT can let you borrow his rocket?

[chemiclord]

Maybe DWT can let you borrow his rocket?

Now you know damn well that rocket was a personal gift from Bo Schembechler when DWT made it to double-aught spy status!

[dpatnod]

That rocket didn't have what it takes to get to the moon. FACT.

[whatever_gong82]

Paywall article from The Athletic.

Lions mailbag: How aggressive will Brad Holmes be in free agency, NFL Draft?

Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes in a vest before a NFL game.jpg

By Colton Pouncy
Feb 16, 2024



It’s been a while, but as the offseason gets underway, it felt like the right time for a Detroit Lions mailbag.

We received quite a few questions, which we can use to help spark future stories over the next few months. Always helpful to know what you all are thinking about. In this mailbag, there were plenty of questions about free agency, the NFL Draft, the 2024 season and beyond. We’ll get to some of that here, and save the rest for later.

As always, thanks for all your questions and thanks for subscribing. Really appreciate it. Some questions have been lightly edited for clarity and length.



Brad Holmes has been clear that the Lions build through the draft. You have stated many times that this staff feels like 2023 was still a year early, in a sense, with the young talent on the roster. With that context, how aggressive do you think Holmes and company will be this offseason? Is there a “burn the ships” mentality that comes with being that close to a Super Bowl last year, in addition to the looming contracts for our stars? — Kevin P.



I get it’s natural to want to go all-in after coming so close, but I just don’t see that happening with this regime. I think Holmes’ wheelhouse will be Tier 2 and 3 of free agency, where he can add quality players on shorter deals without breaking the bank and mortgaging the future. I think cornerback, edge and kicker are all positions worth taking a look at in free agency, and you can find players who can help there in those tiers. We’ll address potential targets in the coming weeks.



That said, I believe the Lions are going to preserve cap flexibility to re-sign their own and try to keep their window open with this crew as long as possible. If they do add a big name in free agency, that player will have to fit what they’re about and fit their timeline. Think about what Dan Campbell and Holmes said at the trade deadline, about finding the right guys. They will be disciplined in their approach, even as they reach contender status.



Holmes has nailed his drafts, but he has never had picks this low. Do you see him being aggressive in the draft? If so, how? If not, why? — Matt P.



Holmes was asked this at his news conference earlier this month.

“It’s going to be the same exact process,” he said. “It’s going to be the same exact plan.”

Holmes is known for finding productive players in various rounds. Brian Branch in the second, Alim McNeill in the third, Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth. Just because the Lions are picking 29th instead of the top 10 doesn’t mean the scouting process drastically changes. I think he’ll play the board with the chance to add four quality players among the top 100 picks, but we have evidence to show he isn’t afraid to trade up for a player he wants.

David Montgomery and his 2023-24 NFL regular season stats.jpg


After Holmes challenged the press on personnel assessments, how have you or will you change your approach to providing us useful insights on draft selections and player development? — (no name given)



I thought Holmes’ presser was entertaining and fiery, demonstrating the passion he’s known for. He’s not just going through the motions like some GMs. He lives this stuff and it’s evident on draft night and even during this playoff run. He deserves the victory lap.

That said, I don’t see much reason to change my personal approach. I’ve seen the vision with a lot of the moves he’s made since I joined the beat. Trading T.J. Hockenson, signing David Montgomery, largely standing pat at the deadline. Even last year’s class, to me, was about adding potential impact talent regardless of positional value.



When picks are made, I try to be as fair as possible. I’m not into draft grades. I understand the want for those — to help fans contextualize the class an organization just brought in — but it’s pretty silly when you think about it. Imagine a food critic reviewing a meal they’ve only glanced at. You need to give players a chance. That will always be my philosophy.

Instead, I try to identify the why. Last year, for me, it was about winning now. That was clear to me on night one, well before Holmes even said it himself on Day 3. You’re in the room to ask questions and find answers. Once you get them, you can relay them to those wondering the same things. I find that far more valuable than predicting whether a player will be a bust or a star in the aftermath of the draft.



As a writer who had a closer vantage point to this team than us fans, what were your top two or three most memorable moments (good or bad) from covering the team in its NFC Championship Game run? — Kris S.



I’ll stick with the good, because some of you are probably still wishing the Lions had a shot in Las Vegas. Three games in particular come to mind.

The first one is the season-opener versus the Chiefs. It’s not easy beating Patrick Mahomes in his building — even without Travis Kelce and Chris Jones. The Lions made a statement that night that set the tone for the season ahead. The perfect start to a memorable season.

The next, of course, was Christmas Eve. The Lions beat the Vikings to clinch their first division title in 30 years. I had been working on a story about the ’90s Lions, and the last team to get it done. Players from that era so desperately wanted this current group to field a winner. It was cool to see it come together on that day.

And, finally, the win over the Rams. I’m not gonna lie, my colleague Nick Baumgardner and I kind of willed that game into existence like a month out on our podcast, “One of These Years.” Not sure a ton of you wanted to see that matchup, and had the Lions lost, we probably would’ve taken some heat from the SOL-ers. But we kept thinking about what it would be like for the city if the Lions beat Matthew Stafford, their former face of the franchise, for their first playoff win in 32 years. Now we know.

More than anything, though, moments like that were reassuring as a writer. When you predict success for this franchise, it can often backfire. But this run let me know my assessment of the team and its trajectory was fair and, ultimately, correct. It won’t always be, but it’s cool when it is.



Do you think Dan Campbell would want the ball first or second in playoff overtime? He wouldn’t say he wants the ball third, right? — Michael R.



Oh, man, I love this question. The NFL playoff overtime rules are new to a lot of people (players included, apparently). We obviously don’t have much data on this yet, and given the format, every coach might have a different way to approach it. But it’s fascinating to discuss.

Here’s what we know about Campbell: He trusts his players to make plays. We all watched the Dallas game and the NFC Championship Game. I think Campbell’s playoff overtime philosophy would be clear. I see him deferring, getting the ball second. If his defense holds the offense to a field goal, the obvious objective is to score a touchdown and win. But even if the defense allows a touchdown, I see Campbell trying to win the game on the next possession with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. When you have the offense to do it, I think that’s the move.


YouTube video with Aidan Hutchinson & Brian Branch on Dan Campbell's GRIT, Lions Season, More




Who in the NFC North is most poised (at this point, pre-draft) to threaten a Lions repeat division championship? — N.G.



The easy answer for 2024 is the Packers, considering they almost took down the 49ers. I loved their 2023 draft, they have the youngest snap-adjusted roster in the league and Jordan Love is looking like a dude. That said, watch out for the Bears long-term. Their defense is legit (it gave the Lions issues) and Montez Sweat was a great addition. I think they’re probably a year away but you can see the vision. If they draft Caleb Williams and add a wide receiver like Rome Odunze, in addition to the capital they’ll have from trading Justin Fields, they’ll be set up for success. The Vikings can make a run if they retain Kirk Cousins, but they have a lot more questions about the long-term plan than their NFC North counterparts.



Do you think there is a real chance the Lions bring training camp to Grand Rapids? — Christian S.



Campbell briefly discussed this last summer. In June, he mentioned going to Grand Rapids for his daughter’s volleyball tournament and seeing all the support from Lions fans. He was then asked whether the Lions might hit Grand Rapids for training camp.

“Yeah, I actually thought about it,” Campbell said. “A lot of it comes down to the logistics of it. Where are we practicing? What is this turf like? What is the field? So, we have thought about it, but that’s about as far as it has gone.”



Campbell seems open to the idea, at the very least. That said, team president Rod Wood said at the owners’ meetings last year that he’d rather build a bigger facility that could accommodate more fans than hit the road. We’ll just have to see, but it would be a fun way to show some love to fans on the west side of the state who love the team just as much as those in Detroit.



Would you rather have Penei Sewell or Micah Parsons? Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux in a re-draft? — Jon P.



Fun one here. Micah Parsons once said the Lions told him he’d be their pick if he were available at No. 7. They probably didn’t expect Sewell to still be there. Obviously, both have turned into some of the best players at their positions. If you told me I’d be able to get Hutchinson the next year, I take Sewell all day. And, honestly, I probably do regardless. He’s so vital to this operation. His athleticism, his leadership and maturity, his durability, how he fits into what the Lions do offensively. He was the right pick.

As for Hutchinson vs. Thibodeaux, well, that’s an easy one for me. Hutch is the far more productive player. Here’s the comparison from this past season.

I don’t think Thibodeaux is a finished product yet, but the scary thing is, neither is Hutchinson. I’m taking him.



What’s your pick for best away game to travel to next season? — Matt E.



Here are the Lions’ road opponents in 2024: Chicago, Minneapolis, Green Bay, Arizona, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston and Indianapolis. If we’re talking most compelling game, I’d say San Francisco. That’s an easy one for me. We could easily get a rematch in the NFC Championship Game, and that game could decide seeding.

If we’re talking road trips I’m most excited for, I’d say Arizona and Houston. Those are two stadiums I haven’t seen yet. I’ve never been to Houston, so that would be a city I cross off. I have been to the Phoenix area. Being there for the owners’ meetings last year was cool. Scottsdale’s a fun time, and the heat is more tolerable in the fall.



Next year: Super Bowl?! — Lance M.


Or bust, yes. The training wheels are off. The Lions are one of the big boys now.


Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy

[El Axe]

Handy chart I stole from reddit:

image.png

[jaadam4]

Never thought I’d say this, but I hope they bring Biker Boyz JRM back. He played incredible last year and we need glue guys that play on a high level around

[whatever_gong82]

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/02/19/detroit-lions-nfl-franchise-tag-2024-free-agents/72657069007/

[whatever_gong82]

Paywall article from the Detroit News.

Exploring cost, structure of a hypothetical extension for Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown


Justin Rogers
The Detroit News



Allen Park — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has utilized every avenue to rebuild the team's roster the past three years, but there's been an overriding theme to the front office's approach, which the GM highlighted in his season-ending press conference earlier this month.

"Look, we always said we’ll draft, develop, sign our own — build through the draft — and we’re just living that right now," Holmes said toward the end of a lengthy opening statement.


Amon-Ra St. Brown had 119 catches for 1515 yards and 10 TDs in 2023.jpg

Holmes has been wildly successful in the draft during his tenure, adding a number of pieces that are part of the team's foundation. But after three seasons of playing on their four-year rookie deals, the time has come for the Lions to consider extensions for some of the players from the GM's first wave of selections.



At the top of the list meriting second contracts are wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who have developed into key cogs. It's worth noting, the conversation with offensive tackle Penei Sewell can be delayed a year since teams carry a fifth-year option with the contracts of first-round picks.

In this space, we're going to focus on St. Brown, who has gone from setting rookie records to earning first-team All-Pro honors in his third season after finishing top-five in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2023.



Ever since emerging during the second half of his rookie season, St. Brown has been the model of consistency for Detroit. Starting in Week 13 of the 2021 season, he caught at least eight passes in eight consecutive games. He topped 100 yards nine times last season and averaged 91.3 yards in three postseason contests. And on top of it all, he's been durable, while embodying the franchise's blue-collar identity with his daily, post-practice routine of catching 202 passes on the JUGS machine.

St. Brown, as much as Sewell, quarterback Jared Goff and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, is one of the faces of a Lions franchise that fell just short of its first Super Bowl appearance this year, and anticipates being in contention again in 2024. The decision to extend him is an easy one, but not a cheap one.



Behind quarterback, wide receiver contracts are among the biggest in sport, by average value. Miami's Tyreek Hill reset the bar with a four-year, $120 million extension ($72 million guaranteed) in 2022, and of the 11 non-QBs making more than $25 million per year, four are receivers.

Factoring in his production, and natural cap inflation, you can expect St. Brown to join that group with his next contract. In fact, there was an unverified report last week that the two sides were working on a three-year extension in that range.



A three- or four-year extension both make sense. St. Brown stands to be the beneficiary of the shorter of the two extension scenarios. That would put him in line to negotiate another massive contract at 28 years old, while still in his prime. Top-of-the-market, multi-year paydays get harder to come by for skill position players the closer they get to 30.

So what could a three-year extension look like for St. Brown? A really strong starting point would be the three-year extension signed by Cooper Kupp in 2022. We recognize the Los Angeles Rams star signed that deal coming off one of the best seasons for a receiver in NFL history, but the salary cap is projected to increase by more than 15% since that pact was signed.



That inflation is why he who gets paid last often gets paid the most, although Hill's $30 million per year figures to remain safe, at least until Minnesota's Justin Jefferson signs his next deal.

In terms of structure, it's worth noting St. Brown is already due for a base-salary raise in 2024, thanks to a collectively bargained device called a "proven performance escalator." It rewards players on rookie contracts, and not selected in the first round, with a fourth-year raise if they hit playing-time thresholds during their first three seasons.



There are three levels and St. Brown qualifies for Level 2, having played at least 55% of the team's offensive snaps each of his first three seasons. Level 3 requires at least one Pro Bowl selection as part of the original ballot. The receiver was an alternate each of the past two years, therefore not meeting the requirement. Still, that puts him in line for an approximate pay bump of $2 million for the 2024 season.

For new money, let's use a rounded projection of $78 million over three seasons, or $26 million per season. That would rank fourth at the position behind Hill, Kupp and Davante Adams, and just ahead of A.J. Brown and Stefon Diggs. Within that new deal, let's include a $24 million signing bonus, on par with Deebo Samuel's figure from his three-year extension, also signed during the 2022 offseason.



For cap purposes, a signing bonus is evenly spread across the duration of the contract. In St. Brown's case, that would include the remaining year of his rookie deal, so $6 million each of the next four seasons, including 2024.

That leaves $54 million in new salary to be spread across the 2025-27 seasons. The Lions could lower his 2024 salary to veteran minimum as part of the process, but the approximately $2 million in space it would be free up isn't a high priority. Here's a year-by-year look at how this projected package could play out. The numbers are rounded for easier comprehension.



▶ 2024: $3 million base, $6 million signing bonus, $9 million cap hit

▶ 2025: $14 million base (fully guaranteed), $6 million signing bonus, $20 million cap hit

▶ 2026: $18 million base ($7 million guaranteed for injury), $6 million signing bonus, $24 million cap hit

▶ 2027: $22 million base ($5 million guaranteed for injury), $6 million signing bonus, $28 million cap hit



This projection hits all the necessary notes: It rewards St. Brown for the upper-echelon performer he's become, affords him an opportunity to secure a third contract with sustained success, while giving the team the financial flexibility to restructure in 2026 or 2027 if they need to create immediately spending power, and providing a hypothetical out in 2027 if he's inexplicably no longer living up to the standard he's set.



jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[edindetroit]

Maybe DWT can let you borrow his rocket?

For real the other day leaving church the license plate of the car in front of me was DWT 4321. All I could think of was DWT blast off!

[jaadam4]

Seems about right to St Brown. I’d make that move sooner rather than later

[jaadam4]

For real the other day leaving church the license plate of the car in front of me was DWT 4321. All I could think of was DWT blast off!

Hahahaha

[BJK]