5 most favorable contracts on the Detroit Lions roster

2. Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson

Remaining Contract Terms: 3 years, $2.95 million base salary; $29.2 million cap hit remaining

Hutchinson naturally makes this list. He was an immediate force off the edge as a rookie, leading all rookies in sacks with 9.5. And of course, he’s got three or four years left on a rookie contract.

The disparity in  cash  versus his cap hit remaning for Hutchinson is due to the signing bonus as the No. 2 overall pick last year. Although the signing bonus was paid out to him already to, it hits the Lions’ books as a cap hit spread out across the term of the deal. He will be in line for a pricey extension in two years, but for now, the team can reap the rewards of this great contract.

1. Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown

Remaining Contract Terms: 2 years, $1.995 million base salary: $2.387 million cap hit remaining

By far the best value on the team, St. Brown may be one of the best contracts in the entire league thanks to being a fourth-round pick in 2021. He has emerged as a star receiver for a team lacking a true star at the position since Calvin Johnson left. He had 106 receptions (sixth) for 1,161 yards (11th) with six touchdowns this past season. Through his first two seasons, “The Sun God” is in some rare air in NFL history.

With the way the receiver market has taken off over the past few years, the team should be grateful for the production St. Brown is giving them at such a low cost. In two years, if he remains on his current track, the Lions will have to (and they’ll be glad to) pay him what the market reflects for his production and skill level.