Evaluating Detroit Lions' 2023 Positional Spending

Analyzing the Lions' spending by position group.

The Detroit Lions have used the free-agency period of the NFL offseason to bolster the talent on their roster. 

Ahead of the 2023 season, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has added several players who will aid the team in its quest to reach the playoffs. 

The Lions have been cost-efficient in their spending, too. They've allocated resources to a number of different position groups throughout the offseason. 

Here is a breakdown of the Lions' spending by position, as well as where each position group ranks in the NFL, via Sportrac. 

Offense

• Quarterback — $32.6 million (5th in NFL)
• Running back — $8.1 million (17th in NFL)
• Wide receiver — $17.7 million (25th in NFL)
• Tight end — $3.6 million (31st in NFL)
• Offensive line — $58.8 million (3rd in NFL)
• Total — $120.5 million (7th in NFL)

Goff's contract accounts for most of the offense's payroll. Yet, the trajectory of the NFL with franchise quarterbacks suggests he'll be toward the middle of the league in compensation in years to come. 

Elsewhere, Detroit is in good shape currently. Young stars such as Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown will command hefty extensions, should they continue their current performances. 

The Lions avoided having to shell out a hefty contract at tight end when they traded T.J. Hockenson. It remains to be seen if they are done making moves at the position, with the draft approaching. 

Defense

• Defensive line — $24.4 million (24th in NFL)
• Linebacker — $15.6 million (22nd in NFL)
• Defensive backs — $39.9 million (10th in NFL)
• Total — $77.9 million (26th in NFL)

The Lions rank 26th in the league in defensive spending, even after an offseason spending spree dedicated to this side of the ball. 

Cornerback Cameron Sutton secured the largest deal of any Lions player in Holmes' tenure, with a three-year, $33 million deal. Detroit also committed to players already on the roster, signing John Cominsky and Isaiah Buggs to new deals. 

Much like the offense, Detroit has young stars who will command large extensions. Aidan Hutchinson played at a Rookie of the Year level for much of last season, and James Houston emerged as a talented EDGE rusher late in the year. 

The Lions have a decision to make on Jeff Okudah's impending fifth-year option, as well. The defense currently is not expensive, but the talent pool is growing and the cost to keep players on this side of the ball will, as well.