In a widely expected move, the Lions picked up the fifth-year option for 2018 first-round pick Frank Ragnow on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport.
That locks the Pro Bowl center in Detroit through at least 2022.
Ragnow, who was also named second-team All-Pro last season, will now see his salary jump from $3.8 million in 2021 to $12.7 million in 2022, according to Spotrac.
A fair price to pay for the Lions' best offensive lineman and a building block of their future. And a deserved payday for a guy who last season played through a fractured throat.
The two highest-paid centers in the NFL, All-Pro Cory Linsley of the Packers and Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly of the Colts, each make an average yearly salary of $12.5 million.
Assuming Ragnow continues his rise as one of the best centers in the game, the Lions could lock him into a longer-term deal before he actually plays on his fifth-year option.