The Detroit Lions start voluntary offseason work this week, which players have workout bonuses in their contracts?
The Detroit Lions start offseason work this week, as they start the process to build on a solid finish to last season. For what it’s worth head coach Dan Campbell has installed some expectations for offseason work, and said he expects at or near-perfect attendance as voluntary work starts.
The Lions’ first day is tomorrow, but a lot of players have been back in the building already.
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) April 18, 2022
Dan Campbell said he expects “just about all our guys, if not all of them” to be in Detroit within a week or two of the voluntary April 19 start date. https://t.co/VHrdfQ8kXD
When we see contract details for players, at times they include workout bonuses. It’s essentially money that player will get for showing up to offseason work. Sometimes, being present for a certain number or a certain percentage of the days ties to the compensation.
Some players choose to work out on their own right now, and show up for mandatory OTAs in May/June. Since the work teams are doing now is labeled voluntary and inherently light, being with your teammates is largely symbolic. Choosing not come in to the team facility can be rooted in a contract dispute, an injury someone is rehabbing elsewhere, etc.
For some players a workout bonus is a relative drop in the bucket, and not enough to motivate them to show up if there’s something else in play (professional or personal).
Still, it seems easy enough to just show up and collect bonus money you have coming to you, right?
Which Detroit Lions players have workout bonuses?
Via Over The Cap, in order from highest to lowest, here’s the list of Detroit Lions players who have workout bonuses coming to them. Assuming they report to Allen Park this week or sometime soon, of course, and perhaps depending on the criteria for the bonus.
At a glance, there’s no question these guys should be coming in for offseason work ASAP–Taylor Decker would the notable possible exception.
G Halapoulivaati Vaitai — $500,000
LT Taylor Decker — $250,000
QB David Blough — $55,000
WR Josh Reynolds — $50,000
WR Kalif Raymond — $50,000
S Will Harris — $30,000
C Evan Brown — $25,000
DL Alim McNeill — $25,000
CB Ifeatu Melifonwu — $25,000