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St. Brown: Receivers Not Overpaid, Goff Deserves 'Every Dollar'

Amon-Ra St. Brown pushed back against narrative that wideouts are overpaid.

Christian Booher

Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch.
Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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Amon-Ra St. Brown is slated to earn a hefty raise and a contract extension this offseason.

The USC product has been exceptional for the Detroit Lions over his first three NFL seasons. Logging over 3,500 receiving yards since entering the league, he's undoubtedly been one of the league's best wide receiviers.

The market for wide receivers is being driven up, headlined by Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith earning a three-year, $75 million extension this offseason.

With the cost of these contracts continuing to rise, one can wonder if wide receivers are being paid too much. However, St. Brown pushed back against that narrative during his appearance on Robert Griffin III's podcast, 'RGIII and The Ones.'

“Nah, I definitely don’t agree with that. I’d be a fool to agree with that," St. Brown said. "I think we do a lot of things on the field. We’ve actually got the Netflix thing coming out, I think that’s gonna give a lot of people insight on what we do besides catching the ball on the football field. Whether it’s in the run game, understanding different concepts, whatever it is, there’s a lot that goes into the position. I feel like we’re definitely not overpaid, I think we bring great value to football teams. I think this league is becoming more of a passing game."

With passing taking over the league in terms of style of play, there's an added emphasis on having elite wide receivers. Many teams feature multiple top-tier wideouts, including the Eagles now with Smith and A.J. Brown.

As St. Brown pointed out, there are also rules that are designed to protect passers and pass-catchers. Because of this, there's plenty of value in these hefty contracts for receivers.

"Throwing is so big in this game, it’s becoming a passing game," St. Brown explained. "There’s so many rules protecting quarterbacks, protecting receivers. Why would you not want to throw it if there’s so many rules to help us be successful throwing the ball. There’s so many things that go into it. We make plays, we sell jerseys, fantasy, whatever it is. There’s so much that goes into it. There’s a reason I chose to play receiver.”

As for his own contract status, St. Brown offered very little update as he and the Lions continue to negotiate.

“Nah, no news," St. Brown said. "No news. Not yet.”

Another player who is in line for an extension is Jared Goff, the Lions' quarterback who has played a big role in reviving the team's success. The passer is expected to earn a hefty extension this offseason after leading the team to the NFC Championship game.

Goff and St. Brown have had an excellent rapport since both came to Detroit in 2021. He spoke highly of the passer and praised the impact that he's had on the organization over the last three seasons.

"To see what he's done with this Detroit football team, from two years ago, three years ago to now. He's winning games," St. Brown explained. "I think winning is a big part of this sport, especially for a quarterback. So that's what he's doing, he's winning games. And then you go look at his stats, too, they're up there with some of the best quarterbacks in the league. He's worth every dollar that he gets and I can't wait for him to get paid and be a part of this future for a long time."

Sneak peek at 'Receiver'

St. Brown will be one of five players featured in Netflix's 'Receiver,' which is slated to debut in summer 2024. Along with George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson, St. Brown's many moves this season will be displayed to a national audience.

He offered a small indication of what the show will be like for fans, stating that plenty of behind-the-scenes action will be on display. The show is a sequel to last year's Netflix series, 'Quarterback,' which followed Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota.

“They did a great job of documenting a lot of the stuff all year. I was mic’d up every game," St. Brown said. "So I think just getting an insight of what our season was like with the Lions and, more specifically, my season. I have things that go on throughout the year that people might not know of, my family, my background.  Just a bunch of things that I think are gonna be awesome to show the world. I think they did a great job of broadcasting, recording, story-telling, not everything but a lot of things that I’ve done this past year. We’ve had a tremendous season, one of the best seasons in Lions’ history. I think it’s only right, only fitting, this was a great year to document.” 

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Christian Booher
CHRISTIAN BOOHER