By Moses Joshua 
Subtitle: As pass-rusher market nears another major reset, Detroit faces growing urgency to lock in their defensive cornerstone
The Watt Effect: A Market on the Brink of Explosion
The NFL’s edge rusher market is once again on the verge of a financial boom — and for the Detroit Lions, the timing couldn’t be trickier. Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, already one of the most dominant forces on defense, is now reportedly seeking a new contract that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
Watt’s dissatisfaction with his current deal has led to a holdout from mandatory minicamp, and insiders suggest the tension mirrors the friction that surrounded his last negotiation with the Steelers back in 2021. As CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala recently noted, Watt was told by the organization that he was “fortunate to be a Steeler,” to which Watt reportedly fired back, “You’re fortunate to have me.” That stalemate ended in a massive payday — but this time, the ripple effects could reach Detroit.
Hutchinson’s Clock Is Ticking
Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ blue-chip edge rusher and a foundational piece of their defense, is watching the market evolve in real time. Hutchinson, now entering his third season, has quickly become the face of Detroit’s aggressive defensive resurgence. But if Watt — or other big-name pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson — sign deals that elevate the position’s ceiling, Hutchinson’s eventual extension could get exponentially more expensive.
Currently, top-tier edge defenders like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby have already helped push the financial bar higher. But Watt’s next deal could create a full market reset. As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero put it, “I believe we’re going to see a reset in the edge market again.” That reset may come before the Steelers’ season kicks off in September — and if so, Detroit’s front office will be watching closely.
Pay Now or Pay More Later?
There’s no doubt Hutchinson is betting on himself. And he has reason to. The former No. 2 overall pick has been dominant through his first two seasons, and Lions legend Jon Jansen even encouraged the former Michigan standout to hold out for maximum leverage.
But for general manager Brad Holmes, the smarter move might be to act now. Detroit has already handed out sizable deals to core pieces like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell. Quarterback Jared Goff’s long-term deal is also in place. That leaves Hutchinson as the next major domino — and one that could get more costly with each passing month.
A proactive extension could not only secure the team’s defensive anchor at a reasonable price, but also provide salary cap clarity as the Lions prepare for long-term contention. Wait too long, and Hutchinson’s price tag could swell beyond the franchise’s comfort zone — especially if Watt’s next contract redefines what elite pass rushers are worth.
A Franchise Cornerstone Worth Locking Down
With Detroit’s playoff window wide open and Super Bowl aspirations no longer far-fetched, the team’s leadership can’t afford to gamble on Hutchinson’s future. Watt’s standoff in Pittsburgh is more than a contract dispute — it’s a warning shot for teams banking on keeping young stars at manageable prices.
For the Lions, the decision is clear: if Aidan Hutchinson is the heart of the defense, it’s time to make it official — before the market resets again.