Aidan Hutchinson, a key player for the Detroit Lions, is expected to fully recover for next season, but he’s being advised against signing a contract extension for now.
The NFL offseason often brings surprising developments, and one potential twist could involve Detroit Lions defensive star Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson suffered a broken left fibula and tibia during the Lions’ Week 6 game against the Dallas Cowboys, but before the injury, he had already accumulated 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback pressures.
Throughout the season, Hutchinson had hoped to return in time for the Super Bowl, but the Lions did not make it. Now, Hutchinson is being advised to hold off on signing an extension with Detroit for the time being.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Future With Detroit
I n a January 30 article for A to Z Sports, NFL analyst Mike Payton discussed Hutchinson’s contract situation, highlighting that his injury will influence the extension process.
“The Lions are expected to either use the fifth-year option or negotiate an extension with Hutchinson this offseason,” Payton explains, adding that he consulted with cap expert Joshua Queipo to predict the potential terms of the extension.
Payton and Queipo project a four-year deal worth $110 million, including $82.5 million guaranteed and $60.5 million fully guaranteed, averaging $27.5 million per year.
While the deal sounds enticing, Payton suggests that Hutchinson should turn it down and opt for the fifth-year option instead. His reasoning for this advice is based on the injury.
“ The injury will be a factor, whether we like it or not,” he says. “Despite the Lions’ history of paying players above market value, Hutchinson is unlikely to receive what he deserves.”
He further notes that while fifth in average annual salary (APY) is a strong position, “it could and should be first, but the Lions have to protect themselves in case of setbacks.”
Extend That Contract After Having a ‘Huge Season’
In a February 9 report, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport discussed NFL pass rushers, mentioning Hutchinson. They pointed out that Hutchinson could soon be the next player to secure a major contract as he enters the fourth year of his rookie deal.
Brad Berreman of SideLion Report agrees that waiting might benefit Hutchinson. In a February 10 article, he states that the Lions have never hesitated to “pay their own,” and Hutchinson is likely to be next in line for a contract that matches or exceeds the top pay for his position.
However, Berreman adds that Hutchinson still has two years remaining on his contract. By then, other edge rushers mentioned by Rapoport and Pelissero may have already signed new deals, meaning Hutchinson could benefit from waiting. This would allow him to cash in on a bigger market, especially after having a standout season when fully healthy.
At present, the top earners for edge rushers include Nick Bosa at $34 million per year, followed by Josh Hines-Allen at $28.25 million, and Brian Burns at $28.2 million.