Derrick Moore Just Got Paid Like a First Rounder
The Lions have locked up almost their entire 2026 draft class, and there’s one detail that should make every fan sit up and take notice. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Detroit has signed all of their picks except first-round tackle Blake Miller, and second-round edge rusher Derrick Moore just scored a fully guaranteed contract worth four years and $11.426 million.
Yes, you read that right. Fully guaranteed. For a second-round pick.
This isn’t some Lions-specific development, mind you. It’s part of a league-wide shift that started in 2025 when the Texans gave receiver Jayden Higgins a fully guaranteed deal at pick 34. The Browns followed with Carson Schwesinger at 33. By the time the dust settled into training camp, seven of the top eight second-round picks had landed fully guaranteed contracts.
The New Market Reality
Moore was taken 44th overall, which means this trend is creeping deeper into Day 2 of the draft. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was the deepest pick to get full guarantees in 2025 at 40th overall. Now Moore has pushed that boundary even further.
That’s significant when you consider third-round picks generally get nothing guaranteed beyond their signing bonus. The gap between rounds two and three just got a whole lot bigger.
The rest of the Lions draft class got their standard deals: fourth-round linebacker Jimmy Rolder signed for four years and $5.532 million, fifth-round cornerback Keith Abney got four years and $4.878 million, fifth-round receiver Kendrick Law landed four years and $4.83 million, sixth-round defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard signed for four years and $4.643 million, and seventh-round defensive lineman Tyre West got four years and $4.547 million.
No Drama, No Holdouts
Blake Miller hasn’t signed yet, but there’s zero reason for concern. First-round contracts don’t have much wiggle room, and his deal will be fully guaranteed too. For reference, the Lions’ 2025 first-round pick, Tyleik Williams, didn’t sign until May 21.
This is just how Brad Holmes operates. Get the business done early, get the rookies in the building, and let them focus on football. No drama, no holdouts, no distractions. Just another offseason where the Lions handle their business like a competent organization.
Moore getting that extra financial security? Good for him. The kid’s about to rush the passer in Honolulu Blue, and now he’s got a contract that reflects real investment from the franchise.
Think Moore’s guaranteed money signals the Lions see him as more than just a rotational piece, or is this just the new market reality? Let me know what you make of it below.
Holmes is building this thing the right way and I’m here for it. Getting these guys locked in early with real money shows we’re serious about keeping our own. Moore’s gonna be a problem for defenses and now he knows we believe in him.
I like what Brad’s doing but I gotta see it translate on the field first. Fully guaranteed money for a second rounder sounds great until that guy doesn’t pan out. That’s when these deals look different. Hope Moore proves me wrong.
Man, it’s crazy to see the Lions actually taking care of their young guys like this. We used to watch this organization fumble everything and now Holmes has got everyone signed and ready to work. That’s the difference between knowing what you’re doing and just winging it.
This is what it looks like when you actually have a competent front office. No drama, no holdouts, just get it done and let the guys focus on ball. Moore’s gonna rush off the edge in blue and white and we’re gonna love it.