In a league where $30 million a year barely cracks the top tier at wide receiver, the Lions may have pulled off a quiet heist. One superstar is delivering elite production without carrying an elite price tag — and it’s fueling Detroit’s Super Bowl push.
Among the NFL’s biggest spenders, value can be just as important as star power. The Detroit Lions have handed out major extensions in recent years, but one deal in particular stands above the rest when production is weighed against price.
Which Lions player is the best value contract on the roster, excluding rookie deals?
The answer is Amon-Ra St. Brown.
St. Brown is earning just over $30 million per season, a figure that ranks seventh among all wide receivers. In today’s exploding receiver market — where top-end salaries are pushing well past $32-35 million annually — that number already looks team-friendly. When paired with his production and durability, it becomes even more compelling.
Since entering the league, St. Brown has been one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive pass catchers. He has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons and continues to be the heartbeat of Detroit’s passing attack. His route precision, toughness over the middle and ability to create yards after the catch make him indispensable. He is not simply a volume target; he is the engine that keeps the offense on schedule.
In an offense coordinated around timing and trust, St. Brown’s chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff is invaluable. On third downs and in critical late-game moments, Goff looks to him first. Paying a top-10 receiver the seventh-highest salary at the position — while getting top-three production — is the definition of surplus value.
That is not to say the Lions lack other strong contracts.
Right tackle Penei Sewell remains one of the premier offensive linemen in football. His extension reset portions of the tackle market, but elite offensive line play is foundational to Detroit’s identity. Sewell’s dominance in both pass protection and the run game allows the Lions to lean into their physical philosophy. While he is paid like one of the best at his position, his age and consistency suggest the contract will age well. Still, it reflects fair market value for an All-Pro talent rather than a clear bargain.
Goff’s deal presents a more nuanced discussion. After guiding Detroit to deep playoff contention and delivering some of the most efficient football of his career, he earned his extension. Compared to the rapidly escalating quarterback market, his annual salary does not sit at the very top tier. However, quarterback contracts inherently consume a significant portion of the salary cap. Even if Goff slightly outperforms his cap hit, the sheer size of the number makes it harder to categorize as the roster’s best value.
Then there is wide receiver Jameson Williams. While not on a rookie deal for purposes of this discussion, his contract remains modest compared to veteran receivers. Williams’ game-breaking speed adds a vertical dimension few teams can replicate. When healthy and integrated into the offense, he stretches coverages and opens space underneath for St. Brown and Detroit’s tight ends. If his production continues to rise, his contract could soon look like a steal. At present, though, his overall body of work does not match St. Brown’s week-to-week impact.
Value ultimately comes down to consistency, leadership and return on investment. St. Brown checks every box. He produces at an elite level, rarely misses time and embodies the culture Dan Campbell has built.
For a team with championship aspirations, finding stars who outperform their contracts is essential. In Detroit, no non-rookie deal currently delivers more bang for the buck than Amon-Ra St. Brown’s.