The Detroit Lions are expected to begin long-term contract negotiations with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson this offseason.
Hutchinson is also eligible for his fifth-year option, which would be worth $22,612,000 if exercised. The team can still negotiate a long-term deal even if they pick up the option, a move that seems likely given his impressive performance over the first three years of his career.
Unfortunately, the former No. 2 overall pick saw his season cut short after suffering a broken fibula and tibia against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite playing just five games, Hutchinson recorded 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles, and 45 quarterback pressures.
During his end-of-season press conference, general manager Brad Holmes confirmed that the team had not yet engaged in serious contract extension discussions with the Michigan product.
“Yeah, we’re working through all of that. Again, it’s not always in our control. We might have our plans and processes, but it takes two people to get something done,” Holmes said. “That’s not a negative comment, it’s just that you don’t know what that player and their camp are thinking.
“So, we haven’t gotten to those intense dialogues yet. That’s going to be the only thing,” Holmes added. “But we have our philosophy, we have our process, and we’ll just see how it goes.”
Currently, the highest-paid edge rusher in the league is Nick Bosa, who signed a five-year, $170 million contract with $88 million guaranteed.
Hutchinson demonstrated in his third season that he has the potential to be one of the NFL’s elite defensive players for years to come.
Early reports suggest that the former Michigan Wolverines standout is on track to make a full recovery and should be available for Detroit’s 2025 season opener.
Prediction: 5 years, $185 million with $100 million guaranteed.
