By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions had an impressive season last year, proving to be one of the NFL’s top teams. However, their journey was derailed by injuries, especially on the defensive side. Despite securing the NFC’s top seed, those defensive struggles ultimately caught up with them in the playoffs. One of the biggest losses was Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a season-ending injury early in the season.
Now, Lions fans are eagerly anticipating Hutchinson’s return. By Week 1, he is expected to be fully recovered, ready to reclaim his role as a defensive powerhouse. Alongside his comeback, there’s growing speculation about his next contract. Hutchinson has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, and his next deal is bound to reflect that.
Insider Predicts Hutchinson’s Future Paycheck
NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently weighed in on Hutchinson’s future salary when asked by a fan. He believes Hutchinson’s contract will need to hit a certain threshold.
“I think that the new-money average per year on the new contract probably has to start with a ‘4′ now,” Breer explained. “We have two nonquarterbacks in that category with Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett and Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase. Houston Texans DE Danielle Hunter and Raiders DE Maxx Crosby, both just got nearly $36 million in new-money APY on new deals, too.”
In other words, Hutchinson’s next contract could push him into the $40 million-per-year range, putting him in the same financial tier as some of the league’s elite.
A Potential Twist in the Deal
If the Lions act quickly, they might be able to structure Hutchinson’s extension in a way that benefits both sides.
“There’s a trick to all of this if you get Hutchinson done now,” Breer continued. “He has $25.45 million due to him over the next two years—which gets folded into the new contract. So let’s say he, for example, does a four-year, $160 million extension with the Detroit Lions, which would take him through the 2030 season. In that circumstance, the real money on the deal would be $185.45 million over six years, or an average of $30.9 million per year.”
Essentially, while the extension might look massive on paper, factoring in the remaining years of his current contract would bring the overall annual salary down to a more manageable number.
Detroit’s Investment in Their Star
Drafted second overall in 2022, Hutchinson has already proven to be a valuable piece of Detroit’s defense. The Lions’ strategy of developing homegrown talent rather than relying on expensive free-agent signings appears to be paying off.
“I think that’s a good deal for anyone, given the type of player Hutchinson has become,” Breer noted. “And a good example of drafting well and paying your own early rather than chasing someone else’s free agents.”
Losing Hutchinson last season was a major blow to Detroit’s defense, but his return should bring stability and strength to the unit once again. If the Lions can lock him in for the long haul, it could be a move that secures their defensive core for years to come.