Goff, St. Brown Among Lions Entering Contract Year in 2024

A list of Lions entering contract years in 2024.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs against the Los Angeles Rams. / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 season will come with high expectations for the Detroit Lions.

As they compete for a Super Bowl title, many of their key players will also be playing with hopes of earning new contracts in Detroit or elsewhere.

Here's a look at Lions players who are entering the final year of their contract.

QB Jared Goff (Trade, 2021)

Goff is expected to ink an extension, though the terms have varied based on industrial predictions. Could Goff offer the Lions a discount with hopes to retain many of the young talents on the team? With the increased salary cap and likelihood that the number will continue going up, that's unlikely.

RB Craig Reynolds (Free agent, 2021)

The Lions are set as far as their top running backs go, but Reynolds has proven valuable as the team's third option. He's well-liked in the position group and has a firm understanding of the offensive scheme. For his role, those are valuable traits to have.

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (Draft, 2021)

St. Brown is another player who is in for a well-deserved extension. He's rapidly becoming one of the league's best receivers despite not being the biggest or tallest. Yet, he makes up for that with his relentless work ethic and toughness.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Trade, 2023)

The Lions like Peoples-Jones' potential enough to offer him a one-year deal after getting a limited look at him over the second half of last season. With Josh Reynolds off to Denver, Peoples-Jones could get an extended look in 2024.

OG Kevin Zeitler (Free agent, 2024)

Zeitler is a big under-the-radar addition after the Lions lost Jonah Jackson. Though the Lions had one of the league's best offensive lines, the veteran should keep them playing at a high level. He is 34 and the Lions could add young depth in the Draft, but he's been durable throughout his career and could earn a new contract.

OG Kayode Awosika (Waivers, 2022)

Awosika has started games for the Lions each of the last two seasons. He may have to compete for a roster spot should the Lions target the offensive line in the Draft.

OT Taylor Decker (Draft, 2016)

Decker carries a big cap hit heading into the 2024 season, the last of his current contract. However, there's been no noticeable dip in his production as of late and he's still performing at a high level. Time will tell what the terms of a potential extension will look like, but he's back to anchor Goff's blindside.

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) celebrates with fans after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

OT Dan Skipper (Free agent, 2023)

Skipper is back on another one-year extension after gaining plenty of notoriety late in the year. He was valuable as the team's extra lineman in jumbo packages and should see much of the same role in 2024.

DL Alim McNeill (Draft, 2021)

With the rising market for defensive tackles, McNeill could be in for a nice pay day if he has another strong season. He was playing at a Pro Bowl level last year before suffering a knee injury and has the potential to have a breakout year next to new addition DJ Reader.

DL Levi Onwuzurike (Draft, 2021)

Onwuzurike has been limited by injuries throughout his career, as he missed the entire 2022 campaign. He bounced between being a healthy scratch and a member of the rotation at points last year and will be entering a make-or-break campaign in 2024.

DE Marcus Davenport (Free agent, 2024)

Davenport is looking to rebound from a 2024 campaign hampered by injuries. However, with a healthy offseason and familiarity with Aaron Glenn, he could revive his career. He'll bring much-needed depth and a pass-rush presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

DE John Cominsky (Waivers, 2022)

Cominsky's role lessened last season after he inked a two-year deal to remain in Detroit. He'll have to compete to get back into the consistent rotation after the Lions brought in Davenport. Cominsky has been productive for each of the last two years, but if the Lions draft another rusher, the pressure will be on.

DE Matheiu Betts (Free agent, 2024)

Betts is a high-upside lottery ticket for the defensive line. After winning CFL Defensive Player of the Year honors, he'll get a chance to prove his mettle in training camp with a shot at making the roster.

DE/OLB James Houston (Draft, 2022)

Houston missed most of last season with an ankle injury, but has proven to be a solid contributor when called upon in his rookie campaign. If he stays healthy, he'll be a big part of the Lions' pass-rush. However, the Lions want him to be more than just a pass-rush specialist, so this is a big offseason for him.

LB Derrick Barnes (Draft, 2021)

Barnes showed plenty of growth last season, earning a starting job even after the team drafted Jack Campbell in the first round. Now, he must prove that the success he had last season was sustainable.

CB Carlton Davis (Trade, 2024)

The Lions need the Davis addition to pan out after missing on previous cornerback additions. At his best, he's a shutdown corner. Detroit would benefit greatly if he can find his best level of production for this season.

CB Emmanuel Moseley (Free agent, 2023)

Moseley played just two snaps last year for the Lions before succumbing to a knee injury. Him at full strength is certainly intriguing, and he could wind up being a big part of the defense in 2024.

CB Kindle Vildor (Free agent, 2024)

Vildor will at the very least provide veteran depth for the defensive back room. He became a starter down the stretch and gave the team a stable presence despite some costly hiccups.

CB Khalil Dorsey (Free agent, 2022)

Dorsey got a crack at starting late in the year after providing mostly special teams production throughout the year. He could factor into the rotation, but special teams will likely be his main job to start 2024.

S Ifeatu Melifonwu (Draft, 2021)

Melifonwu finally found his groove after injuries plagued the better part of his three years. Once he returned from a broken hand, he entered the starting lineup and became a catalyst. Now, he must prove that his showing down the stretch was no fluke.

K Michael Badgley (Free agent, 2023)

Re-acquired early in the season, Badgley won the starting job late in the year and was perfect on field goals down the stretch. Brad Holmes has hinted that there will be competition at this position, so Badgley will have to maintain his consistency.