DONE DEAL: Lions sign announce their official key players on the contract show for 2024 NFL season.
Michael Badgley and Mathieu Betts’ contracts show that the Lions are not too committed.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73167504/usa_today_22395863.0.jpg)
The Detroit Lions have begun their offseason, and they made two notable additions to the team last week.
First, Mathieu Betts, the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, was signed by the Lions to a one-year contract. Though Detroit’s pass rush could use some improvement, it’s uncertain how good Betts will be at the next level. Still, it’s an intriguing addition. After finishing the season as the team’s starter, kicker Michael Badgley was re-signed by the Lions later that week.
Let’s examine each player’s contract in more detail and see what it indicates for their potential future with the Lions.
Note: For all things related to salary caps and NFL contracts, OverTheCap is by far the greatest and most accurate website from which to get contract figures.
Betts Mathieu
Contract terms: $795,000 for one year with no money guaranteed
$795,000 as a base pay
Absence of a signing bonus
$795,000 cap hit; if lowered, $795,000 in cap savings
In other words, for the 2024 season, Betts was given the veteran minimum deal. Betts stated that he chose to sign with the Lions over larger offers with guaranteed money because he felt the culture fit and that there was a clearer route to making the 53-man roster. Betts is taking a risk, but he is also placing a wager on himself.
As far as the Lions are concerned, there is absolutely no risk. For Detroit, this is a huge steal if Betts can replicate his CFL production (18 sacks in 18 games). They would be getting value for their money whether he is a dependable depth player, contributor on special teams, or rotational player. Furthermore, there is no financial or salary cap commitment if he is not selected for the team.
Michael Badgley
Terms of the contract: $1,292,500 — $425,000 guaranteed for one year
$1.125M basic pay with a guaranteed $257,500
$167,500 as a signing bonus
If lowered, the $1,152,500 cap hits $727,500 in cap savings.
Badgley receives a signing bonus of $167,500 right once, and when his guaranteed salary is added, he will at least make $425,000. However, given that they may recover more than 63% of Badgley’s salary charge should they decide to cut him, the Lions are not entirely committing to him as their kicker based on this contract.
