That makes perfect sense. Hutchinson has been a game-changer for the Lions’ defense, and locking him up long-term should be at the top of their to-do list. Given how quickly top pass rushers are resetting the market, getting an extension done sooner rather than later could save Detroit money in the long run.
Where it matters
Yeah, there’s no reason for Hutchinson to take a discount. Even with any past injury concerns, his production and presence on the field justify a market-setting deal. The Lions know his value, and with the way top EDGE rushers are getting paid, they won’t want to risk dragging this out.
Guys like Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt have already set the bar high, and with the cap rising, Hutchinson’s contract could push that even further. Do you see him getting something in the $30M-per-year range, or even higher?
Why the Lions Should Extend Him Early:
Exactly. The Lions have every reason to extend Hutchinson early rather than let the price skyrocket. If they pick up his fifth-year option, they’re just delaying the inevitable—and by 2026, the EDGE market could push even higher.
Right now, Nick Bosa’s $34M per year sets the bar. If the Lions wait, that number could climb closer to $40M with new deals for other elite pass rushers. Locking Hutchinson in now, even at a record-setting price, is the smart move.
How long of a deal do you think they should offer—something like five years, or even longer to maximize cap flexibility?
Bottom Line:
Agreed. Hutchinson is the face of Detroit’s defense, and the Lions won’t hesitate to make him one of the highest-paid EDGE rushers in the league. Extending him before the 2025 season is the best financial decision, ensuring they lock him in before the market jumps even higher.
With the way he’s playing, do you think his deal could end up surpassing Bosa’s $170M total contract, or will the Lions structure it differently to keep some flexibility?
