Discussion: Which Detroit Lions Player is the Biggest Bargain?
As the Detroit Lions continue their resurgence under head coach Dan Campbell, the team’s personnel decisions are beginning to pay off. With an exciting young core, strong veteran leadership, and a well-executed mix of smart signings, the Lions are positioned for sustained success. However, one of the most significant factors in the Lions’ newfound competitiveness is their ability to find value in players who, in many cases, are underappreciated or undervalued by the league. In particular, some of Detroit’s biggest contributors are playing on team-friendly contracts that provide exceptional value relative to their performance.
But with so many players outperforming expectations, it’s a fair question to ask: which Detroit Lions player is the biggest bargain? To answer this, we’ll look at several standout players who represent massive value for the team, each offering elite or near-elite production relative to their cap hit. Some of these players are on rookie contracts, while others may be underappreciated veterans who are performing far beyond their paygrade.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the Lions’ biggest bargains, focusing on factors such as contract value, positional importance, performance, and overall impact on the team.
1. Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)
Without a doubt, Amon-Ra St. Brown has been one of the most impressive players for the Detroit Lions in recent years. A fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, St. Brown has far exceeded expectations, becoming a key pillar in the team’s offense. With 2023 being his third season in the league, St. Brown has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, showing his ability to consistently produce both as a pass catcher and as a leader on the field.
Contract: Rookie Deal
Amon-Ra St. Brown is still on his rookie contract, which is one of the primary reasons he stands out as a huge bargain. His current contract, which was worth around $4.3 million over four years when drafted, has allowed the Lions to maximize value from the wide receiver position—one that is often among the highest-paid positions in the league.
In 2023, St. Brown’s numbers were staggering, as he posted over 1,100 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, and a catch rate of 71.4%. His consistency, route-running precision, and ability to thrive in both short-yardage and deep-threat situations make him a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense. His connection with quarterback Jared Goff has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success.
What makes St. Brown such a bargain is the value he brings relative to his pay. While he is playing like a top-10 wide receiver in terms of production, he is making a fraction of what top-tier wideouts like DeAndre Hopkins or Tyreek Hill make. As a result, the Lions can continue to build around St. Brown without facing a cap crunch at the wide receiver position.
Impact
St. Brown’s impact on the Lions’ offense cannot be overstated. He is the clear No. 1 target for Jared Goff and has emerged as one of the best possession receivers in the NFL. His ability to gain separation, especially in high-pressure moments, makes him one of the most reliable targets in critical situations. Furthermore, his physicality after the catch and toughness in contested situations set him apart from many of his peers.
2. Aidan Hutchinson (Edge Rusher)
While St. Brown may be the offensive standout, on the defensive side of the ball, Aidan Hutchinson has proven to be an absolute game-changer for the Detroit Lions. Drafted second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hutchinson was expected to make an immediate impact—and he did just that. His relentless pass-rushing ability, versatility, and leadership on the field have made him one of the NFL’s top young defensive stars.
Contract: Rookie Deal
Much like St. Brown, Hutchinson is still on his rookie contract, which means the Lions are getting elite-level performance from one of the league’s best edge rushers while paying him a fraction of what other top-tier pass rushers earn. Hutchinson’s contract is worth around $9 million per year for the next few seasons, which is excellent value for a player who can single-handedly change the course of a game with his pressure and sack production.
In 2023, Hutchinson accumulated 9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 15 tackles for loss, while also contributing to the team’s overall defensive improvements. He quickly became the focal point of the Lions’ pass rush, creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks and forcing offensive lines to focus all of their efforts on containing him.
Impact
Hutchinson’s impact on the field is impossible to ignore. He has the ability to disrupt both the run and the pass, providing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks while also being stout against the run. His versatility, combined with his high motor and work ethic, make him a nightmare for offensive coordinators to game plan against.
Furthermore, Hutchinson is a clear leader on defense and one of the faces of the franchise. His ability to change the momentum of a game and his leadership qualities make him even more valuable to the Lions. His success will be a key component in their pursuit of becoming a Super Bowl contender in the years to come.
3. Jamaal Williams (Running Back)
Before David Montgomery arrived in Detroit, Jamaal Williams was the heart and soul of the Lions’ running back room. Though Williams is now a member of the New Orleans Saints, his time in Detroit left a lasting legacy, and his performance in a relatively inexpensive role for the Lions was a major reason why Detroit’s offense clicked in 2022.
Contract: $3 Million (2022)
Williams signed a very affordable contract with the Lions in 2022, worth just $3 million. During that season, he became one of the NFL’s most productive running backs, leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 17 while still being a reliable option on passing downs. His toughness, leadership, and ability to power through defenders in short-yardage situations made him a vital piece of the Lions’ offensive attack.
While the Lions’ backfield now features David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Williams’ contributions in his time in Detroit should not be overlooked. The $3 million contract he played under in 2022 was one of the best values the team has had in recent years.
4. Kirby Joseph (Safety)
When the Lions selected Kirby Joseph in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it was considered a solid pick. Few could have predicted how quickly he would become one of the most valuable players on the defense. Joseph’s ability to make game-changing plays, especially in the secondary, has been a revelation for the Lions.
Contract: Rookie Deal
As a third-round pick, Joseph is playing on a modest contract that brings exceptional value to the team. His performance in 2023 exceeded expectations, as he not only contributed as a starter but also had a knack for making game-altering plays, including interceptions and key tackles.
In 2023, Joseph posted 4 interceptions, including a crucial game-winning pick-six against the Minnesota Vikings, and solidified his place as one of the NFL’s top young safeties. His ability to make plays in key moments, combined with his solid coverage skills, make him one of the biggest bargains on the Lions’ roster.
Impact
Joseph has become one of the most important pieces of Detroit’s defense. He’s not only a playmaker, but his intelligence and awareness on the field have made him an indispensable part of the secondary. His potential to continue growing into a top-tier safety for years to come, while playing on a rookie contract, gives the Lions exceptional value at a critical position.
5. Alim McNeill (Defensive Tackle)
Another player on a relatively inexpensive deal who has outperformed expectations is Alim McNeill, the Detroit Lions’ defensive tackle. A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, McNeill has rapidly developed into a reliable presence on the defensive line.
Contract: Rookie Deal
McNeill is still on his rookie contract, which has allowed the Lions to maximize their investment at defensive tackle. With the interior defensive line being a crucial part of any successful defense, McNeill has provided the Lions with a steady presence, both as a run stopper and as a disruptor in the passing game.
In 2023, McNeill posted over 50 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and added 3 sacks. His ability to clog up the middle and free up other defenders has been a key component of Detroit’s defensive improvement.
Impact
McNeill’s performance, especially for a player still on a rookie contract, has made him a major bargain for the Lions. His presence in the middle of the defense makes life easier for the pass rushers and linebackers, allowing the entire defense to operate more effectively.