The Detroit Lions plan to start long-term contract discussions with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson this offseason.
Hutchinson can also have the club exercise his fifth-year option for $22,612,000. The team could still pursue a contract if they decide to exercise the fifth-year option, which appears probable considering his success in the initial three years of his career.
Regrettably, the previous No. 2 selection had his season ended unexpectedly after he sustained a broken fibula and tibia while playing against the Dallas Cowboys.
In five games overall, Hutchinson tallied 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles, and 45 pressures on the quarterback.
General manager Brad Holmes mentioned that the team had not yet begun meaningful contract extension talks with the Michigan native during his end-of-season press conference.
“Yes, we are addressing all of that.” Once more, it isn’t always within our power. “We may have our strategies and procedures, but accomplishing something requires the efforts of two individuals,” Holmes stated. “That’s not a critical remark, it’s simply that you aren’t aware of what that player and their team and all those kinds of things are considering.”
“Thus, we haven’t reached those intense conversations yet, so that will be the sole matter,” Holmes elaborated. “However, we maintain our philosophy and our process; we’ll just observe how things unfold.”
Presently, the top-earning edge rusher is Nick Bosa, who signed a five-year deal worth $170 million with $88 million guaranteed.
Hutchinson demonstrated in his third season that he possesses the ability to be among the NFL’s premier defensive players for the coming years.
Initial signs suggest that the ex-Michigan Wolverines player will fully recuperate from his leg injury and is expected to be ready when the team plays in their 2025 season debut.