As the Detroit Lions shift their focus to the offseason, the front office faces critical decisions regarding players with looming contract deadlines.
A key task will be determining whether to exercise the fifth-year options for 2022 first-round picks Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams. Entering their fourth NFL season, teams must decide whether to utilize the additional year available for first-round selections.
The NFL establishes a structured system to determine the value of fifth-year options, primarily based on playing time and performance benchmarks. These salaries apply to the 2026 season, with the 2025 season marking the final year of a player’s four-year rookie contract.
For players earning multiple Pro Bowl nods in their first three seasons, the fifth-year option matches the franchise tag value for their position. A single Pro Bowl selection results in a value equal to the transition tag.
Players who do not achieve Pro Bowl recognition have their option values determined in two ways. Those who play 75 percent of their team’s snaps in two of three seasons, or at least 50 percent in all three, have their salary set at the average of the third- through 20th-highest paid players at their position. Players who fall short of these benchmarks receive a base salary derived from the average of the third- through 25th-highest paid players.
For Detroit, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson’s fifth-year option is valued at $22,612,000, while wide receiver Jameson Williams’ is set at $15,161,000, according to OverTheCap. Hutchinson’s Pro Bowl appearance qualifies him for the transition tag value, while Williams meets the requirements for the base salary.
Both players are also eligible for contract extensions this offseason. Last year, the Lions exercised Penei Sewell’s fifth-year option before signing him to a lucrative four-year extension, setting a potential precedent for Hutchinson and Williams.
Both are strong candidates for having their options picked up. Hutchinson was on track for another Pro Bowl season before a season-ending injury, while Williams showcased his talent by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time.
Though Williams has faced challenges, including suspensions in the past two seasons, he has gained the trust of the Lions’ organization. Head coach Dan Campbell praised his growing rapport with teammates, and Williams’ ability to stretch defenses makes him a valuable asset. While he may not command top-tier receiver money, his 2024 performance positions him for a significant extension.
Hutchinson, meanwhile, is in line for a top-market deal after establishing himself as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. Despite his injury-shortened season, he recorded 7.5 sacks in just six games, solidifying his value to the Lions.
