Detroit Lions star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is heading into training camp healthy after recovering from the broken fibula and tibia he suffered in Week 6 last season. Despite being cleared and looking ready for a big year, there’s been little movement on a long-term contract extension for the standout defensive end — and that’s caught the attention of a former Lion.
With top edge rushers like Myles Garrett pushing the market to $40 million annually and new deals looming for stars like T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons, negotiations for Hutchinson are complicated. He’s under contract for two more years thanks to the Lions picking up his fifth-year option for 2026 at nearly $20 million, but the silence on talks has sparked outside advice.
On 97.1 The Ticket’s “Costa and Jansen,” former NFL offensive lineman and Michigan alum Jon Jansen weighed in, saying he’d tell Hutchinson to bet on himself if contract discussions drag on.
“I would tell him, ‘Bet on yourself. Go out there and be the best version of Aidan Hutchinson,’” Jansen said. He emphasized that Hutchinson’s potential for a dominant season — like when he racked up 7.5 sacks in just five games last year — could put him in a strong position to demand top dollar.
Jansen admitted he regretted signing early extensions during his playing days instead of letting his contract expire and testing the open market. He urged Hutchinson to wait things out, especially given the skyrocketing salaries for elite edge rushers and the public support the young star enjoys in Detroit.
“The money has exploded since I played,” Jansen said. “I would almost say, ‘Bet on yourself for the next two years, push it to free agency.’ Make the team decide: do they franchise tag you or give you a record-setting deal?”
He also warned the Lions that letting Hutchinson walk over cost concerns would spark major backlash among fans, given how essential he’s become to their defense.
While many expect the Lions to eventually extend Hutchinson and make him one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league, that deal may not come before the 2025 season begins — or even before next offseason. If talks drag on beyond that, things could get tense.
Former Lion Encourages Aidan Hutchinson to Bet on Himself Amid Contract Stalemate
