The defensive end market underwent a significant shift on Wednesday when the Las Vegas Raiders awarded Maxx Crosby a remarkable three-year, $106.5 million extension. This landmark deal not only secures Crosby's future with the Raiders but also sets a new record for the average annual salary for a defensive player at an astounding $34.5 million. This unprecedented move effectively removes Crosby from the trade conversation, establishing a new benchmark for several prominent edge defenders who are due for contract renewals, including Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and Aidan Hutchinson.
The Detroit Lions are undoubtedly keen on extending Hutchinson’s contract at some stage. While they are not pressed by immediate deadlines—thanks to the availability of a fifth-year option allowing negotiations to extend into 2026—the Lions have a history of securing contract extensions early. This strategy helps them avoid any potential drama and keeps them ahead of rising market values. However, Hutchinson presents a unique case. Having recently recovered from a serious injury, he has undeniably met the Lions' expectations throughout his first two-and-a-half seasons, but the limited sample size raises questions about offering him a record-breaking deal at this juncture.
Today’s Question of the Day is: Should the Lions provide Aidan Hutchinson with a market-setting deal this offseason? My answer is a resounding yes, and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment. While the Lions could opt to wait and assess Hutchinson’s performance post-injury before revisiting negotiations, such a delay could ultimately be detrimental. As more edge defenders secure their deals, the market value will continue to escalate, making it increasingly expensive for the Lions to lock in Hutchinson later on.
There’s very little reason to doubt Hutchinson’s ability to return to his elite form following his injury. His rehabilitation process is nearing completion, and he is expected to have a full offseason to continue his training. His competitive mentality assures us that he will be eager to get back on the field. Moreover, Hutchinson has faced significant injuries before—he suffered a broken ankle during his college career yet rebounded the following year to deliver his best season, coming close to winning the Heisman Trophy.
Finalizing a deal with Hutchinson now is crucial, particularly when considering cash flow. Next year, the Lions' 2023 draft class—including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch—will also become eligible for contract extensions. Negotiating extensions for four players in a single offseason will demand considerable upfront cash, complicating the process of balancing their cap hits. Including Hutchinson in this mix could make it nearly impossible to structure extensions for all five players without causing future financial strain.
Given my complete confidence in Hutchinson’s talent and potential to perform at an elite level, I advocate for getting this deal done as soon as possible. He deserves a contract that reflects his value, similar to what Crosby has received. The Lions should act swiftly to secure Hutchinson’s future, ensuring they maintain their competitive edge while managing their financial commitments effectively.
