While all eyes were on the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft picks, the front office was working quietly behind the scenes to lock down two of its rising stars — Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams — through their fifth-year options. But that’s just part of the puzzle. To keep their roster competitive and push deeper into the playoffs, the Lions will need to pull off some creative financial moves to keep two critical veterans: linebacker Alex Anzalone and edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Thanks to smart cap management, Detroit secured Kerby Joseph with a four-year, $85 million deal, cleverly spreading out his $10 million signing bonus over five years. This maneuver helped save around $10 million against next year’s salary cap — a huge win for a team preparing to hand out more big contracts.
Aidan Hutchinson’s fifth-year option will see his salary balloon from $11.3 million in 2025 to nearly $20 million in 2026, and if he continues performing like a Defensive Player of the Year contender, his next deal could rival Myles Garrett’s $40 million-a-year megadeal. On the offensive side, Jameson Williams — fresh off a breakout 1,000-yard, 7-touchdown season — is in line for a big payday too, with an estimated market value pushing $30 million a year if he keeps trending upward.
But what about the veterans?
Anzalone, coming off back-to-back 125+ tackle seasons, has been a steady leader in the heart of the defense. His current three-year, $18.75 million deal ends this season, and letting him walk would leave a leadership void — and cost Detroit over $2 million in dead money. Restructuring his contract now, including the void-year money, could keep him in Detroit without hurting the cap.
Then there’s Za’Darius Smith. Despite joining the Lions late last season, Smith delivered big — racking up 4 sacks in just eight games and giving Detroit’s battered defense a much-needed boost. He’s proven his value as both a playmaker and a veteran presence, and re-signing him could solidify Detroit’s pass rush for 2025.
With about $43 million in cap space (third-most in the NFL), Detroit has room to maneuver — but GM Brad Holmes will need to think ahead. Young stars like Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta will soon be due for extensions too. Expect the Lions to get creative, perhaps using bonuses and void years, to fit everyone in.
Bottom line: If the Lions want to make the jump from playoff contender to Super Bowl threat, keeping Anzalone and Smith in Honolulu blue is a must — and smart cap wizardry can make it happen.
Lions’ Blueprint: How Detroit Can Keep Anzalone and Smith Without Breaking the Bank
