Detroit Lions All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Lions on Wednesday that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. The deal also includes $85 million guaranteed. The Lions were active in keeping several key contributors of their offense around for the long term, as they also gave receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year extension that makes him the highest-paid wideout in the league for the time being. Sewell, who was drafted seventh overall in 2021 out of Oregon, has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two years and was a first-time All-Pro in 2023. The 23-year-old has been a big reason for the Lions' resurgence in the last two years.
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (head) is in concussion protocol. Fortunately, head coach Dan Campbell reported the Pro Bowler is "doing well" and could return to practice on Wednesday. Sewell was selected No. 7 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and has started 33 games throughout his career, so the Lions will certainly continue to rely on him moving ahead.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said that "right now" the team is preparing to be without rookie offensive lineman Penei Sewell (ankle) in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. The seventh overall pick in the draft was off to a strong start to his first NFL season, playing every single one of Detroit's offensive snaps through the first four weeks. Hopefully Sewell's absence won't be extended beyond one game. On top of it, center Frank Ragnow (toe) was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday with turf toe, so the Vikings defense could have their way with Detroit's offensive line this weekend. Sewell moved from right to left tackle when Taylor Decker landed on IR. It's unclear if Matt Nelson will move to the left side or if Will Holden will take over on quarterback Jared Goff's blind side.
Penei Sewell Says Transition To Right Tackle Isn't Easy
Detroit Lions first-round offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who was the No. 7 overall pick of last month's draft, will move to right tackle in his first season in the NFL after playing left tackle in college at Oregon. "It is not that easy," Sewell said on Day 3 of organized team activities. "Man, it's a whole different feel." Sewell played the position in high school and was an All-American, but he stopped playing on the right side in college. The Lions are force-feeding him repetitions so that he can be ready by the regular season, and they also want him to become well-acquainted with his offensive line teammates. Sewell is in good health now after testing positive for COVID-19 recently. The 20-year-old has the athleticism and overall talent to be a generational left tackle in the NFL, but for now, because of the presence of Taylor Decker on the left side, Sewell will settle in at right tackle in Detroit.
The Detroit Lions and offensive tackle Penei Sewell agreed to terms on his four-year, $24.1 million fully guaranteed rookie contract on Wednesday. Sewell, who was taken seventh overall in last month's NFL draft, will receive a $14.88 million signing bonus. The Oregon product missed rookie minicamp last weekend after testing positive for COVID-19, but it shouldn't affect his readiness in his rookie season after he was widely regarded as the best offensive line product in this year's draft. He's very smooth and powerful and uses his athleticism to his advantage. Sewell will need to improve some on his blocking responsibilities, but he is great in pass blocking, which is great news for quarterback Jared Goff as he embarks on his first season with the Lions.
Penei Sewell To Miss Minicamp After Positive COVID-19 Test
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, the No. 7 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, will miss rookie minicamp this weekend after he tested positive for COVID-19 last weekend. Sewell is expected to start at right tackle on the Lions offensive line, which has become a strength of this roster, in his rookie season. Despite sitting out the 2020 college season due to COVID-19, Sewell was a top-10 pick in the draft. The Oregon product was the highest-ranked offensive tackle in this year's draft and stands at 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds. Sewell will add more physicality to Detroit's offensive line, and his selection in the first round is great news for running back D'Andre Swift and new quarterback Jared Goff.
With the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have drafted Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell. The best lineman in this draft, Sewell didn't allow a sack in 2019 before opting out last season. Sewell is just a monstrous blocker who will instantly help protect new Lions quarterback Jared Goff, plus will help second-year running back D'Andre Swift find more room to run. One player won't instantly solve all of Detroit's issues, but it's always a win when you can draft a tackle who is already being talked about as a future Hall of Famer by some NFL coaches and front offices.
