Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Contract Details: Salary and Years Remaining with the Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the standout wide receivers for the Detroit Lions, has quickly emerged as a rising star in the NFL since being drafted in 2021. Known for his impressive route running, strong hands, and ability to make critical catches in high-pressure situations, St. Brown has become a key component of the Lions’ offense. As the 2023 season progresses, it’s important to understand not just his on-field performance, but also the contractual aspects that shape his future with the Lions.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Amon-Ra St. Brown’s contract with the Detroit Lions, breaking down his salary, the length of his contract, and the financial implications for both St. Brown and the team. We’ll also examine his role in the Lions’ offensive system, his market value, and what the future holds for him in Detroit.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Journey to the NFL
Before diving into the specifics of his contract, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey that Amon-Ra St. Brown has taken to get to this point. St. Brown was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round (No. 112 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, which initially raised some eyebrows due to the fact that many believed he was a talent worthy of a higher draft selection. Coming out of USC, St. Brown had an impressive college career, showcasing excellent hands, route-running ability, and impressive yards after catch (YAC) ability.
In his rookie season, St. Brown wasted no time making an impact. He became one of the most reliable targets for quarterback Jared Goff, quickly earning a reputation for his toughness, consistency, and ability to produce in clutch moments. He finished his rookie campaign with 90 receptions, 912 yards, and 5 touchdowns, proving that he was more than capable of contributing at the NFL level.
By his second year, St. Brown had firmly cemented himself as the Lions’ top wide receiver, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2022. His ability to perform as both a deep threat and a reliable possession receiver made him a critical component of the Lions’ high-powered offense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Contract Overview
As a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s contract was structured according to the typical rookie contract scale. The specifics of his contract include his base salary, signing bonus, and performance incentives, as well as the total value of the deal. Let’s break down the key components of St. Brown’s current contract with the Detroit Lions.
1. Contract Length: 4 Years
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s rookie contract is a standard four-year deal, which is the typical contract length for players selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. This means that St. Brown is under contract with the Lions through the 2024 season, with the team holding the option for a fifth year, which would be determined at a later date.
2. Total Contract Value: $4.27 Million
St. Brown’s four-year contract with the Lions is valued at $4.27 million. While this may seem modest compared to some of the higher-profile first-round picks, the contract value is standard for a player drafted in the fourth round. The total value includes his base salary, signing bonus, and any performance-based incentives that may be added into his deal.
3. Signing Bonus: $749,352
Like most rookie contracts, Amon-Ra St. Brown received a signing bonus as part of his agreement with the Lions. In his case, the signing bonus amounted to $749,352. This bonus is paid upfront when the contract is signed and does not count against the salary cap as a traditional base salary would.
The signing bonus is important for a player like St. Brown because it helps provide immediate financial security, as rookies are typically not paid as much as their veteran counterparts. However, for the team, it is a relatively small figure in comparison to top-tier players, reflecting St. Brown’s draft position.
4. Base Salary: $850,000 (2023)
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s base salary for 2023 is $850,000, which is in line with the salary structure for a player entering the final years of his rookie contract. Base salary is the amount a player earns during the season and is often supplemented with performance-based incentives, roster bonuses, and other perks.
As a rising star, St. Brown’s base salary in the final year of his rookie contract is well below his market value. This is typical for players drafted in the later rounds, as the contract amounts are predetermined by the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
For the Detroit Lions, St. Brown’s relatively low base salary for 2023 presents a financial advantage, as the team is getting elite production from the receiver without paying him at the top of the market.
5. Cap Hit: $1.11 Million (2023)
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s cap hit for 2023 is estimated to be $1.11 million. This includes his base salary, signing bonus, and prorated portions of other bonuses and guarantees. The cap hit is a critical figure in assessing how much salary space a team has available for other players and acquisitions. For the Lions, St. Brown’s cap hit remains favorable for the team, giving them flexibility to allocate resources to other positions of need while still benefiting from one of the NFL’s top young receivers.
6. Performance Bonuses and Incentives
While the details of specific performance-based incentives in St. Brown’s contract are not publicly available, it’s common for rookie contracts to include performance-based bonuses tied to things like receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and overall production. These bonuses can increase a player’s total earnings for the season if they perform above expectations. Given St. Brown’s emergence as a top-tier receiver, it is likely that his contract includes some form of performance bonuses related to his on-field performance.
The Fifth-Year Option: A Future Possibility
As previously mentioned, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s rookie contract is a four-year deal with the Detroit Lions, but the team also has the option to exercise a fifth-year option. This option is available for players drafted in the first through third rounds of the NFL Draft and allows the team to extend the contract for one additional year. The fifth-year option is typically based on the player’s performance during the first three years of their contract and is tied to a salary that reflects the player’s position and performance.
For St. Brown, it is highly likely that the Lions will exercise the fifth-year option in 2024. Given his production, potential, and importance to the team, the Lions would be wise to keep St. Brown under contract for one more season before negotiating a long-term extension.
The salary for the fifth-year option is based on a formula that takes into account the average salary of the top 10 players at a given position. While this figure can vary based on performance and market factors, it is expected that St. Brown would earn a salary in the range of $2-3 million for the 2024 season if the Lions exercise the option.
Market Value: What’s Next for St. Brown?
As Amon-Ra St. Brown approaches the final year of his rookie contract, his market value is expected to rise dramatically. St. Brown has already established himself as one of the league’s top young wide receivers, and his continued development could lead to a lucrative long-term contract extension.
Given his performance thus far, St. Brown could be in line for a deal similar to that of other top wide receivers in the league, such as Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, and D.K. Metcalf. These players have signed extensions worth $20 million per year or more, and St. Brown’s production could warrant a comparable contract.
The Lions will need to decide whether to extend St. Brown before the 2024 season or allow him to play on the fifth-year option and negotiate a new deal at a later date. Given St. Brown’s importance to the offense and his clear potential as a future superstar, the Lions may look to lock him up long-term sooner rather than later.
Impact on the Detroit Lions
For the Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s current contract is an incredible value. He has been the team’s most reliable receiver, a dynamic weapon in the passing game, and an emerging leader on offense. His low cap hit for 2023 gives the Lions the ability to build around him and potentially add other pieces to the team’s core.
Looking ahead, the Lions’ ability to secure St. Brown on a long-term contract will be key to their success in the future. Keeping their young star receiver in the fold ensures that Jared Goff has a top-tier target for years to come, and it positions the Lions to compete for playoff contention in the NFC.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown has quickly proven to be one of the most valuable players for the Detroit Lions, and his current contract, while still on the rookie scale, reflects his potential and emerging stardom. With his impressive production and impact on the field, St. Brown is set for a substantial payday in the near future, whether through a fifth-year option or a long-term extension.
As the Lions continue to build a competitive roster, keeping St. Brown in the fold will be crucial to their success. His contract details provide the team with a financial advantage in the short term, but it will be important for both the Lions and St. Brown to find common ground when negotiating a long-term deal. With his talent and determination, Amon-Ra St. Brown has the potential to be the cornerstone of the Lions’ offense for many years to come.
