The defensive end market saw a major shift when the Las Vegas Raiders signed Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension. This contract set a new record for the average annual salary for a defensive player at $34.5 million per year.
The deal not only secures Crosby’s future with the Raiders but also establishes a new benchmark for elite edge rushers seeking extensions. This impacts high-profile players such as Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and Aidan Hutchinson, who are all due for new contracts soon.
Lions Must Decide on Hutchinson’s Extension Amid Injury Concerns and Rising Market
The Detroit Lions will need to address Hutchinson’s contract situation in the near future. While they have the flexibility of his fifth-year option to extend negotiations until 2026, the Lions have historically preferred to lock up their key players early.
This strategy allows them to avoid contract disputes and stay ahead of rising market prices. However, Hutchinson’s case is unique due to his recent serious injury, raising questions about whether the Lions should commit to a market-setting deal immediately.
Lions Weigh Hutchinson’s Extension as Edge Rusher Market Hits Record HighsDespite his injury, many believe the Lions should secure Hutchinson with a record-breaking extension this offseason. Delaying negotiations could ultimately lead to a more expensive deal as other edge rushers sign lucrative contracts, pushing the market value even higher.
Additionally, Hutchinson has already demonstrated his value to the team over the past two and a half seasons, showing elite production and leadership. The Lions would benefit from locking him in at today’s market rate rather than facing an inflated price in the future.
Hutchinson’s Resilience and Financial Strategy Make Early Extension the Right Move
Concerns about Hutchinson’s injury may be overstated, as he is already nearing the end of his rehab and is expected to have a full offseason to train.
His history also suggests he can overcome such setbacks—he previously suffered a broken ankle in college but returned the following season to have his best year yet, nearly winning the Heisman Trophy. Given his proven resilience and work ethic, there is little reason to doubt that he will return to peak form.
Extending Hutchinson now also makes sense from a financial standpoint. The Lions’ 2023 draft class—including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch—will all become eligible for extensions next year. Managing five major contracts in one offseason would put significant pressure on the team’s salary cap structure.
By securing Hutchinson’s deal ahead of time, the Lions can better distribute their cap space and ensure financial flexibility for future extensions. With his talent and impact on the field, Hutchinson deserves a deal in line with Crosby’s, and the Lions should act quickly to finalize it.
