After three seasons, Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions has soared into rarefied production heights within both the franchise and the league’s history books. Widely acknowledged as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, St. Brown now finds himself poised at the threshold of the final year of his rookie contract.
Among the Lions’ offseason priorities, St. Brown ranks high on the list for a contract extension, likely trailing only Jared Goff or serving as a prominent “1B” alongside the quarterback. It’s evident that “The Sun God” won’t be entering the upcoming season without a new deal, which is poised to position him among the league’s highest-paid wide receivers.
Beyond his on-field prowess, St. Brown stands as a cornerstone of the Lions’ culture. While it’s difficult to envision him holding out if a new deal isn’t reached before training camp, such a scenario cannot be entirely ruled out. Therefore, negotiations should ideally be underway.
Market projections from sources like Spotrac and Over The Cap offer insights into St. Brown’s anticipated value with his impending contract.
Spotrac forecasts St. Brown’s market value at $26.3 million over a four-year period ($105.2 million total), while Over The Cap estimates his value slightly lower at $25.46 million.
These figures align closely with the earnings of notable receivers such as A.J. Brown, Stefon Diggs, and DK Metcalf. Spotrac even identifies Brown and Metcalf as comparable players in their projection methodology.
For instance, Metcalf’s recent three-year, $72 million extension with the Seahawks included a $30 million signing bonus and $58.2 million (80 percent) in fully guaranteed money. Similarly, Brown’s four-year, $100 million deal with the Eagles boasted a $23.2 million signing bonus and $57.2 million (57.2 percent) guaranteed.
At just 25 years old in October, St. Brown’s age positions him favorably for the Lions to invest in him without hesitation, ensuring he receives his due worth.
The structure of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s extension will hinge on his preferences regarding guarantee structures, duration of the contract, and other variables. Will he prioritize a longer deal with a smaller percentage guaranteed, or opt for a shorter term with a higher guarantee, aiming for another lucrative deal sooner? These factors will significantly shape the negotiations ahead.