The Detroit Lions saw significant contributions from late-round rookies and high-priced free agents last year, and they were rewarded for their efforts. Through the “performance-based pool” of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, a pool of $10.5 million is awarded to players on cheap contracts, and Lions several won a share of the bonus pool.
In total, 76 players from the Lions received a bonus, with Kerby Joseph leading the group with $523,538, nearly surpassing his base salary of $705,000 last year. Here is a list of the top ten scoring Lions players.
|
Kerby Joseph |
1.408 million |
$523,538 |
|
Brock Wright |
762 |
$451,678 |
|
Jonah Jackson |
918 |
$441,996 |
|
Isaiah Buggs |
758 |
$434,816 |
|
Amon-Ra St. Brown |
835 |
$421,923 |
|
malcolm rodriguez |
685 |
$389,914 |
|
Alim McNeill |
784 |
$366,610 |
|
Jerry Jacobs |
619 |
$366,440 |
|
DeShon Elliott |
889 |
$355,978 |
|
John Cominsky |
610 |
$327,154 |
Although none of the Lions were included in the Top 25 players who received from the performance-bonus pool, it indicates the contribution of the Lions from the participants of ‘the last round and the free runners. The Lions will count on several of these players to be key contributors this coming season.
Offensively, Jackson is the unsung hero of the offensive line and one of the more reliable players for the Lions. Wright became a solid red zone target for Jared Goff while providing great run and pass blocking. In addition, St. Brown is gaining a reputation as one of the best receivers in the league.
Defensively, with rookie years under their belts, Joseph and Rodriguez will look to step up and elevate their game at their respective positions. Buggs and Cominsky received new contracts from Detroit after their comeback seasons. McNeill is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defensive line. Jacobs turned UDFA into one of the best cornerbacks for the Lions. Eliott got a new contract with the Miami Dolphins, but he was a good addition, especially after Tracy Walker went down.
I want to see this trend continue as general manager Brad Holmes looks for talent, both in the draft and free agency. There have been a lot of moves he’s made in this free agency that have been well received and seem to fill holes where they were needed. With two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, the possibilities for the Lions are endless.
The story first appeared on Lions Wire