The NFL offseason is full of surprises, and one may include Detroit Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson, regarded as one of the team’s top players. Hutchinson sustained a fractured left fibula and tibia in the Lions’ Week 6 matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys, and at that moment, he had accumulated 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback pressures.
Throughout the season, Hutchinson discussed the chance of being fit enough to compete in the Super Bowl, but the Lions didn’t make it. Currently, Hutchinson is being advised to refrain from signing an extension with Detroit, at least for the time being.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Prospects With Detroit
In a January 30 article for A to Z Sports, NFL analyst Mike Payton examines Hutchinson’s circumstances and points out that his injury impacts his contract extension with the Lions.
“The Lions are anticipated to either activate the fifth-year option or negotiate an extension with Hutchinson this offseason,” he notes, mentioning that he collaborated with cap specialist Joshua Queipo to formulate a prediction of what this extension might involve.
Payton and Queipo estimate a “four-year contract valued at $110 million with $82.5 million guaranteed and $60.5 million fully guaranteed. Average of $27.5 million annually.”
Although it’s a tempting proposal, Payton suggests that if he were Hutchinson, he would decline it and choose a fifth-year option instead. Before you leap off a cliff, here’s the reasoning from Payton.
“The injury will have an impact.” “We all wish to pretend it isn’t, but it truly is,” he asserts. “Although it’s clear the Lions have set trends by ensuring their players earn above market value, he is still unlikely to receive what he deserves.”
He mentioned that although being fifth in APY is “good,” it “could and ought to be first.” However, the Lions need to look after themselves in case situations go wrong.
In a feature on February 9, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport talked about various NFL pass rushers, mentioning Hutchinson. They observed that Hutchinson might be the “next to receive a large payout” in the league as he approaches the fourth year of his rookie contract.
Brad Berreman of SideLion Report concurs that patience might benefit Hutch. In a piece from February 10, he mentions that the Lions have shown willingness to “step up and compensate their own, with Hutchinson now set to receive a deal at or close to the highest end of the market for his role.”
However, Berreman points out that Hutchinson has “two years of contractual control remaining, and by that time the other edge rushers mentioned by Rapoport and Pelissero will probably have new contracts.” Therefore, waiting might benefit Hutch, as “the market peak will likely be greater a year later, possibly after Hutchinson has had an impressive season in a complete return to wellness.”
Currently, the highest market rate for edge rushers is held by Nick Bosa at $34 million annually, trailed by Josh Hines-Allen at $28.25 million and Brian Burns at $28.2 million.