As we enter the 2023 NFL Season, the Detroit Lions have made some significant changes in their roster in terms of salary. After a few disappointing seasons, the Lions' front office has made it a priority to restructure their contracts, release some players, and sign new ones. In this article, we will take a look at the Detroit Lions' salary by player and analyze the changes made by the organization.
The Lions' Highest Paid Players
Let's start with the Lions' highest-paid player: Jared Goff. After arriving via trade from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Goff signed a four-year contract worth $134 million, including $57 million guaranteed. In the 2023 season, Goff will earn a base salary of $28.15 million, making him the 12th highest-paid quarterback in the league.
The second-highest paid player on the Lions' roster is offensive tackle Taylor Decker. Decker signed a six-year contract extension in 2020 worth $85 million, including $37.5 million guaranteed. In the 2023 season, Decker will earn a base salary of $15.25 million, making him the sixth-highest paid offensive lineman in the league.
The Lions' Most Improved Contracts
One player who received a significant increase in salary is tight end T.J. Hockenson. After an impressive 2022 season where he caught 77 passes for 965 yards and six touchdowns, the Lions exercised his fifth-year option, which will pay him $8.5 million in 2023. Hockenson's rookie contract was worth $19.7 million over four years, and his new deal will likely make him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league when it expires.
Another player who received a salary bump is running back D'Andre Swift. After a solid rookie season in 2020, Swift improved in 2021, rushing for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns. The Lions rewarded him with a contract extension worth $48 million over four years, including $25 million guaranteed. In the 2023 season, Swift will earn a base salary of $3.5 million, a significant increase from his rookie contract.
The Lions' Salary Cap Situation
Despite signing some new players and giving out contract extensions, the Lions have managed to stay under the salary cap. According to Spotrac, the Lions have $22.7 million in cap space, which ranks 12th in the league. The Lions have also restructured some contracts, including linebacker Jamie Collins, to create more cap space.
While the Lions may not be big spenders in free agency, they have managed their salary cap well and have put themselves in a good position to sign their draft picks and extend some of their key players in the future.
The Future of the Lions' Salary by Player
The Lions have made some smart moves with their salary cap in recent years, and it appears that they are heading in the right direction. With a young core of players, including Goff, Hockenson, Swift, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions have the potential to build a competitive team in the near future.
However, the Lions will need to continue to manage their salary cap well and make smart decisions in free agency and the draft. If they can do so, they could be a team to watch in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have made some significant changes in their salary by player in recent years, including signing new players, giving out contract extensions, and restructuring contracts. The Lions have managed their salary cap well and have put themselves in a good position to build a competitive team in the future. With a young core of players, the Lions could be a team to watch in the coming years if they continue to make smart decisions.
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