It's nice when the Lions don't have to break the bank to pay first-round draft picks.
First-round draft pick Gosder Cherilus inked a five-year contract worth slightly less than $15 million, but $8.9 million of that will come in guaranteed dollars. The bonuses will be paid out over the first two years of the deal.
Cherilus, who was the 17th overall pick in the draft, is likely to earn more than $12.5 million over the life of the contract with the rest of it coming in the form of incentives, including some Pro Bowl bonuses.
That's not bad at all, and the Lions' decision to trade down two spots turned out to be a great move as it'll save them some money in the long run.