Aidan Hutchinson’s Market Value Set After Maxx Crosby’s Record-Breaking Deal
Aidan Hutchinson was on track for a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season before his injury last year, and as he enters the next phase of his career, a major payday is on the horizon. While it has always been a matter of when rather than if the Detroit Lions would extend him, the financial landscape for edge rushers has now been reset—with Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby leading the way.
Hutchinson Poised for a Massive Contract Extension
Lions general manager Brad Holmes recently confirmed that the team is in the “planning stages” of extending Hutchinson. That could mean a deal is imminent, or it could mean Detroit is taking a patient approach to ensure they lock up their star pass rusher for the right price and structure.
There’s also the option of picking up Hutchinson’s $19.9 million fifth-year option for 2026, essentially buying the Lions more time before committing to a long-term deal. However, given his talent, age, and impact on the defense, it’s unlikely Detroit will drag out negotiations for too long.
Now, with Crosby securing a three-year, $106.5 million extension from the Raiders—making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league with $91.5 million guaranteed—the Lions know what the floor will be for Hutchinson’s next contract.
How Hutchinson Compares to Crosby
At just 24 years old, Hutchinson is nearly three years younger than Crosby and has already established himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Last season, despite missing significant time due to injury, he still managed to match Crosby’s 7.5 sacks while playing seven fewer games.
Age is a major factor in contract negotiations, and compared to other high-profile edge rushers like Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Trey Hendrickson—who are all older than Crosby—Hutchinson’s youth and upside make him an even more valuable long-term investment.
Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, the only other elite pass rusher younger than Hutchinson, is also expected to reset the market when he signs his next deal. However, the Lions may not want to wait for that to happen, as Parsons’ eventual contract could push Hutchinson’s asking price even higher.
What Will Hutchinson’s Deal Look Like?
Crosby’s $35.5 million annual average salary now sets a precedent, meaning Hutchinson’s deal will likely start in that range. But given his age and potential, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him push toward the $40 million per year mark.
Detroit’s front office has shown a willingness to invest heavily in homegrown talent, and Hutchinson—arguably the face of the defense—fits the mold of a player they’ll prioritize keeping long-term. The Lions have the flexibility to structure his deal in a way that doesn’t cripple their salary cap, but they will need to be proactive before other edge rushers like Parsons further raise the market price.
Final Thoughts
The Lions will pay Aidan Hutchinson—it’s just a matter of how much and when. Maxx Crosby’s new contract has set the financial benchmark, and the longer Detroit waits, the more expensive it could get. Given Hutchinson’s production, age, and importance to the team’s defensive identity, a deal in the $36-40 million per year range seems inevitable.
For now, all eyes are on Detroit’s front office to see how quickly they move to lock in one of the best young pass rushers in the league.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Market Value Locked In After Crosby’s Mega Deal
