By Moses Joshua 
Lions Weigh Major Contract Decisions for Defensive Stars
The Detroit Lions are at a pivotal moment in their franchise history, with two of their most promising young defenders, Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph, heading toward crucial contract negotiations. General Manager Brad Holmes provided key insights into both situations at the NFL Annual League Meetings, making it clear that Detroit has big decisions ahead.
Aidan Hutchinson Extension Could Come at a High Cost
Aidan Hutchinson, the dominant pass rusher and former No. 2 overall pick, has quickly become the backbone of Detroit’s defense. However, keeping him in a Lions uniform long-term will not come cheap, especially as the market for elite edge rushers continues to soar beyond the $40 million per year mark.
“Look, it is what it is,” Holmes acknowledged. “We had it in that range, kind of, already when we do our future planning and budgeting. But then obviously, when it goes up, it just goes up, and that’s just what you’ve got to prepare for. I don’t know what it’ll end up being. That’s the difficult part about our job, but we work really hard in terms of the prediction forecasting of that market.”
Hutchinson, who suffered a leg injury late in the 2024 season, remains a cornerstone of the team’s defensive identity. Given his performance and potential, Detroit will need to act decisively to ensure he remains with the franchise for years to come.
Lions Committed to Keeping All-Pro Safety Kerby Joseph
Another priority for the Lions is securing a deal for safety Kerby Joseph, who had a breakout All-Pro season in 2024, leading the NFL with nine interceptions. Holmes didn’t hesitate to express the team’s commitment to retaining him.
“He’s a player that we want to keep and, you know, we’ve let that be known,” Holmes stated. “He’s a fit for us, for our team. He’s a really good player, but in terms of the timing, we’ll just kind of see where it goes.”
Unlike Hutchinson’s situation, Joseph’s extension doesn’t have an immediate timeline, but both sides appear motivated to reach an agreement.
What’s Next for the Lions?
Detroit’s front office is facing a crucial balancing act. With two foundational defensive stars nearing new contracts, smart cap management will be key to maintaining the team’s upward trajectory. While negotiations may take time, Holmes has made one thing abundantly clear: the Lions are committed to keeping both Hutchinson and Joseph as vital pieces of their championship aspirations.