The Detroit Lions, riding high from one of the most exciting seasons in franchise history, are facing a troubling development ahead of their highly anticipated 2025 campaign. As Organized Team Activities (OTAs) roll on in Allen Park, two cornerstone starters—wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell—are notably absent, and it’s not due to injuries or personal reasons. Both players are reportedly skipping voluntary workouts due to unresolved contract issues.
This development has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike, as these two stars are not just pivotal to the Lions’ on-field success—they symbolize the team’s new culture under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. While the absences occur during the voluntary portion of the offseason, they may foreshadow a potentially prolonged standoff if Detroit’s front office cannot come to terms with their demands.
In this article, we’ll break down the implications of these holdouts, the contract situations surrounding each player, what it could mean for the Lions’ short- and long-term future, and how the franchise might respond.
Setting the Stage: The Lions’ 2025 Aspirations
After a remarkable 2024 season that saw Detroit reach the NFC Championship Game and fall just short of a Super Bowl appearance, expectations are sky-high entering 2025. The team returns most of its core—Jared Goff under center, a dual-headed rushing attack featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and a talented offensive line that has been among the best in football. The defense, led by breakout stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch, is also rounding into form.
In many ways, St. Brown and Sewell represent the heart and soul of this team. St. Brown has been the Lions’ most consistent receiving threat since being drafted in the fourth round in 2021, while Sewell, the 7th overall pick in 2021, has blossomed into one of the top right tackles in the NFL. Both players are foundational pieces on either side of the ball, and their dissatisfaction with their current contracts has become a pressing issue that could derail the team’s early momentum.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Sun God Shines, But Seeks His Due
Rising Production, Stagnant Pay
Nicknamed the “Sun God,” Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier slot receivers. In 2024, he put up 119 receptions for 1,447 yards and 9 touchdowns, making his second consecutive Pro Bowl and earning All-Pro honors. Since his rookie year, St. Brown has been Jared Goff’s most trusted weapon, known for his precise route-running, sure hands, and clutch playmaking.
However, St. Brown is still playing under his rookie contract, which pays him a base salary of just $1.1 million for 2025—the final year of his deal. Compared to other elite receivers who are earning upwards of $25–30 million annually (e.g., Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, and Davante Adams), St. Brown’s current compensation is a bargain that no longer reflects his on-field impact.
Negotiation Stalemate
While the Lions have reportedly initiated preliminary extension talks, no deal has been finalized, and sources close to the situation suggest the two sides are far apart. St. Brown and his camp are likely seeking a deal that places him among the top five receivers in the league, while the Lions may be attempting to structure a more team-friendly deal to maintain flexibility with future cap space.
His absence from OTAs is a clear signal to the front office: Pay me now, or I’ll consider holding out longer—even into training camp.
Penei Sewell: The Anchor of the Offensive Line
Pro Bowl Dominance
Penei Sewell, only 24, has quickly become one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. A two-time Pro Bowler and 2024 First-Team All-Pro selection, Sewell has helped solidify the Lions’ offensive line into one of the league’s most dominant units. His combination of strength, agility, and football IQ allows him to neutralize elite edge rushers and open gaping holes for Detroit’s run game.
Sewell played over 1,100 snaps last season and allowed just one sack, according to PFF. His pass-blocking win rate ranked in the top three among tackles, and he’s universally regarded as a franchise cornerstone.
Future Worth, Present Tensions
The issue? Like St. Brown, Sewell is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Because he was a first-round pick, the Lions exercised his fifth-year option, meaning he’s due to make $14.1 million in 2025—a significant figure, but still below the going rate for top-tier offensive tackles.
Players like Lane Johnson, Tristan Wirfs, and Laremy Tunsil are earning north of $20 million per year. Sewell and his representatives are likely looking for a multi-year deal in that range, preferably front-loaded with guaranteed money. His absence from OTAs underscores the urgency from his side to reach a long-term agreement sooner rather than later.
Why These Absences Matter
1. Culture Clash?
Dan Campbell’s coaching philosophy has centered around grit, accountability, and team-first mentality. Players like St. Brown and Sewell have embodied that ethos from the jump. Their decision to sit out OTAs, even if voluntary, presents a potential fracture in the locker room culture if not addressed swiftly.
2. Disrupting Offensive Continuity
OTAs are critical for installing new plays, building rhythm, and strengthening communication—particularly on the offensive line and among quarterback-receiver tandems. While Goff and St. Brown have chemistry, every rep matters, especially with the addition of rookie WR Malachi Corley and a reshuffled receiver room.
The offensive line, meanwhile, is predicated on continuity. Even missing Sewell for a few weeks can lead to timing breakdowns and missed opportunities for younger backups to gel with the starters under realistic conditions.
3. Message to Other Players
How the Lions handle these contract situations could set the tone for future negotiations. If Holmes plays hardball, it may signal to other rising stars—like Jahmyr Gibbs or Jameson Williams—that they, too, will need to wait for their payday. Conversely, rewarding homegrown talent sends a message that Detroit takes care of its own.
What Can the Lions Do?
Extend Now, Not Later
The most obvious solution is for the Lions to finalize long-term deals with both players before training camp. Given the current salary cap structure and expected increases over the next few years, locking in St. Brown and Sewell now could be a wise move that avoids bidding wars in the future.
For example, Detroit could offer St. Brown a 4-year, $110 million extension with $65 million guaranteed, putting him on par with the league’s best but also incentivized to outperform and re-negotiate again before 30. Sewell could command a 5-year, $125 million deal, potentially becoming the highest-paid tackle in the league.
Use Incentives to Bridge Gaps
If long-term deals can’t be reached right away, the Lions could add contract incentives for the 2025 season—performance-based escalators, All-Pro bonuses, and Pro Bowl payouts—to show goodwill while continuing negotiations.
Prepare Contingency Plans
While the hope is to resolve both holdouts amicably, the Lions must prepare for all scenarios. That means getting backups like Matt Nelson and rookie Giovanni Manu reps at tackle and increasing workloads for receivers like Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and rookie Corley.
Fan Reaction and Media Coverage
Unsurprisingly, the absence of St. Brown and Sewell has generated significant buzz across Detroit media and social platforms. Some fans understand the players’ positions, advocating that the Lions “pay the men.” Others, however, express concern about a potential distraction overshadowing what should be a Super Bowl-caliber season.
Local beat writers have noted the professional tone from Dan Campbell during pressers, with the coach saying, “We know what those guys mean to us. We’re in communication. We’ll handle it the right way.
