Three Detroit Lions Sign Rookie Contracts

Six Detroit Lions rookies have signed their initial contracts with the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions hosted their final voluntary workout on Thursday. On the final day ahead of a six-week break, the team got second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike, along with fourth-round picks Amon-Ra St. Brown and linebacker Derrick Barnes under contract.

Cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu is the lone rookie needing to get his initial deal completed. 

According to Spotrac, Onwuzurike's contract is worth $8.1 million over four years, and it includes a $3.3 million signing bonus. 

St. Brown's and Barnes' rookie deals are both worth nearly $4.3 million, with the wideout making slightly more on his contract and signing bonus since he was selected one spot ahead of the ex-Boilermakers linebacker. 

Barnes, the No. 113 overall pick, is expected to have an opportunity for playing time at middle linebacker. 

The Purdue product is a player head coach Dan Campbell relates to, based on his "old-school" mentality.

"He's dependable, he's tough, and really, he's only been a stack backer for a year. He's got so much room to grow. He's got an old-school mentality about him," Campbell said in a recent SiriusXM interview. "He's already reached out to me. He wants to be 55. How throwback is 55 for an inside linebacker? It's so beautiful."

The Lions have signed six of their seven draft picks: Penei Sewell, Onwuzurike, Alim McNeill, St. Brown, Barnes and Jermar Jefferson.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!