Ranking Lions' Best Bargains
The Detroit Lions' roster is rounding into form as the calendar turns to July. Nearly a month lies between the now and the start of training camp.
General manager Brad Holmes has proven to be adept at building his teams, wisely navigating the salary cap while making additions and subtractions to the team.
Currently, the Lions currently have around $23 million in cap space per OverTheCap. As a result, the team may not be done making moves throughout the offseason.
Regardless, Detroit has plenty of players who outperformed their current cap hit last season. Here's a ranking of five players who are bargains for the Lions' management from a financial perspective:
Note: Players in the first or second year of their rookie contract are excluded from the ranking.
#5 — TE Brock Wright
2023 cap hit: $940,000
Wright, who should be a starter for the Lions in 2023, ranks tied for 91st among league tight ends in cap hit. He was viewed as a solid backup last year to T.J. Hockenson, but stood out when given an opportunity after the trade.
Heading into his third year, he should get plenty of reps as a run-blocker along with the chance to contribute more as a receiver.
For a player counting less than $1 million against the cap, Wright is productive and reliable enough to be a consistent part of Detroit's offense.
#4 — DE John Cominsky
2023 cap hit: $2.30 million
Cominsky returned to Detroit on a well-earned raise after a solid season. Beginning his Lions tenure as a waiver claim, he proved himself to be a strong asset on the defensive line.
A full season for him should make the defense even better. He missed part of the year with a hand injury and played with his job on the line early in the year.
With his newfound state of comfort thanks to his extension and return to full health, he could break out in 2023.
#3 — DT Alim McNeill
2023 cap hit: $1.39 million
McNeill was Detroit's sixth-highest graded defender last season by Pro Football Focus and had the highest pass-rush ranking of any defensive interior player.
There's been incremental growth with the N.C. State product throughout his first two seasons, and he appears poised to take another step forward in his third campaign.
The Lions will rely on McNeill to anchor the defensive line rotation, as he's the most proven and consistent member. Though he's entering just his third season, he's viewed as a leader within the room.
Additionally, he worked hard to tune up his body and appears to have made strides regarding his flexibility and conditioning. The best is likely yet to come for the young player.
#2 — CB/S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
2023 cap hit: $4.50 million
One of the best free agents on the market landed in Detroit on a one-year, prove-it contract. This move came as a shock to most but it allows Gardner-Johnson to prove his abilities in a familiar defensive scheme.
Time will tell whether the he makes a long-term impact on the Lions or moves on at the end of the year, but it's no secret that this contract is a steal.
Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead in interceptions last season and has the positional versatility that defenses covet. He's the best of the offseason additions from a financial perspective.
#1 — WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
2023 cap hit: $1.14 million
As he enters his third season, the USC product has been arguably the best draft pick of Holmes' three years in charge. Sure, players picked higher have had nice careers, but the GM knocked it out of the park with this fourth-round pick.
Physical and reliable, St. Brown has wasted no time emerging as one of the league's top slot receivers. He's due for an extension after the season, and the Lions should swiftly give him a raise.
Coming off his first 1,000-yard season, his third season will come with much anticipation. He is the focal point of Detroit's passing game and will likely be compensated as such when his rookie deal expires.
