By Mmesoma 
The Detroit Lions made headlines last year when they signed offensive tackle Penei Sewell to a lucrative four-year, $97 million extension, solidifying their commitment to one of the league’s top young linemen. But just one season into the deal, Sewell is now at the center of a heated national debate: is he worth the money?
A recent NFL analysis from Bleacher Report ranked Sewell as the “most overpaid player at his position”, pointing to his massive cap hit and questioning whether his on-field impact matches his contract value. The report cited advanced pass-blocking metrics and the team’s offensive inconsistency in late 2024 as reasons for concern.
“Penei Sewell is a phenomenal talent,” the article stated, “but paying nearly $25 million annually for a right tackle—on a team still building toward true Super Bowl contention—raises eyebrows.”
The criticism hasn’t gone unnoticed in Detroit, where fans and analysts are split on the verdict.
Many Lions faithful defended the 24-year-old Pro Bowler, pointing to his durability, leadership, and consistency in both run and pass protection. Sewell allowed just three sacks in over 1,100 snaps last season and was instrumental in helping the Lions rank top-10 in rushing yards.
“If anything, he’s underappreciated,” said local radio host Terry McAllister. “This guy shows up every Sunday and dominates. There’s a reason the Lions locked him in early—franchise tackles don’t grow on trees.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell stood by his star lineman during Wednesday’s media availability, saying, “Penei’s worth every penny to us. You won’t find many guys with his motor, toughness, and professionalism. He sets the tone for this locker room.”
Still, the label of “overpaid” lingers—highlighting the growing scrutiny that comes with high-dollar contracts in today’s NFL. With the Lions eyeing another deep playoff run in 2025, expectations around Sewell will only intensify.
For his part, Sewell isn’t interested in the noise.
“I don’t play for rankings or opinions,” he said. “I play for my teammates, for this city, and for the W. That’s all that matters to me.”
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Detroit’s offensive line—and whether its $97 million anchor can continue to silence his critics with performance.