What Laremy Tunsil's Contract Extension Means for Penei Sewell

Penei Sewell is likely going to be rewarded handsomely when his contract is up.

Detroit Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $24,099,069 rookie contract, after being selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

After two seasons, it has become clear the talented lineman is destined for a long and prosperous career in the NFL. 

On Sunday, the NFL Network reported that Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil is again the highest-paid tackle in NFL history. 

The 28-year-old lineman secured a three-year contract worth $75 million, including $50 million in guaranteed money and $60 million available in total guarantees. 

Tunsil, who represented himself, has now set the market for star linemen, and potentially negotiated a deal that others will want to replicate. 

Former lineman Mitchell Schwartz, who last played with the Kansas City Chiefs, expressed on social media that Tunsil's approach should be modeled by other NFL players. 

"This is how you do it, players," Schwartz explained. "Sign 3 year deals and don’t push for fully guaranteed contracts. Drive up the AAV, keep the contract short, and cash in 2-3 years later as the market keeps jumping. He’ll be ready for another deal when he’s 30-31. His 4th deal, not his 3rd. Awesome."

For Sewell, it is quite likely the team will work out a healthy long-term contract extension following the conclusion of the 2024 season. 

It is not likely that the former Oregon Ducks lineman will play on his fifth-year contract option, as keeping a player of Sewell's caliber happy will be paramount for Detroit's front office. 

While Tunsil currently has set the market, there is certainly no question that when it is time to negotiate with Detroit, Sewell is going to cash in. He's in line for a contract that could top an average annual value of $30 million per season. 

One local beat writer summed it up, when he posted online, "Penei is going to be able to buy American Samoa in a couple years."

Penei is going to be able to buy American Samoa in a couple years. https://t.co/QNPDoFPVqO

— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) March 19, 2023

This is how you do it players. Sign 3 year deals and don’t push for fully guaranteed contracts. Drive up the AAV, keep the contract short, and cash in 2-3 years later as the market keeps jumping. He’ll be ready for another deal when he’s 30-31. His 4th deal, not his 3rd. Awesome. https://t.co/3o0u6mwznD

— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) March 19, 2023