The Lions Don't Need to Be Worried About Their Spending Yet

The Detroit Lions have had a good problem to deal with in recent years.

Their success in the NFL Draft has forced them to give out some big contracts to keep the draft picks they've been right about.

This offseason, they have a couple more extensions they need to consider and it has Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio concerned.

During the April 8 episode of Pro Football Talk Live, Devin McCourty and Florio discussed the Lions' spending and Florio warned the Lions about potential future issues with the contracts they're giving out.

“They’ve been giving away and giving out big contracts to hold this team together. At some point, though, you’re not going to be able. You’re going to get deeper into their big contracts, and they’re not earning it anymore.”

I don't see their spending becoming  problem with the way they've handled things so far.

If we take a look at the list of guys they have already paid or are planning to, it's clear that they're mostly making good decisions.

So far, they've extended a top-five receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, their starting quarterback in Jared Goff, a top-two tackle in Penei Sewell, their starting left tackle in Taylor Decker, and defensive tackle Alim McNeil.

McNeil is probably the most questionable of the big contracts, but defensive tackles have become more sought after in recent years and he has been a very good one when healthy.

The other contracts all belong to players at premium positions where teams are forced to either spend or struggle.

Then you look at their next extension decision. Aidan Hutchinson plays the most important position on the defensive side of the ball and is a Defensive Player of the Year favorite. Whatever the Lions pay him will be worth it.

He'll also have two years left on a rookie contract once the team exercises his fifth-year option, so his new deal is a long way away from impacting the Lions' cap.

After him, things get a bit more interesting. Kerby Joseph is an extension candidate right now, but as a safety, might not be a priority. However, Brian Branch's rookie deal in the other safety spot could help balance the spending at the position.

They are currently at least a couple of yers away from having to worry about the expense of extensions for any of their other stars.

They've also managed to fill their starting lineup with some solid deals this offseason. Derrick Barnes cost $8 million per year. D.J. Reed only cost $16 million as the top corner in this free agent class. Levi Onwuzurike's deal only cost $4 million for 2025.

As they figure out their future spending, the team also has plenty of opportunities to continue adding talent throughout the draft to keep their costs down.

That's an area where they've done pretty well with Brad Holmes as their general manager.

As long as they keep finding talent on rookie deals and using their money wisely on players at the right positions, their spending shouldn't become a problem for them.