By Blessing 
Former Lion Turned Radio Host Urges Aidan Hutchinson to ‘Bet on Yourself’ Amid Contract Delay
Talks surrounding a contract extension for Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson have seemingly gone quiet, sparking thoughtful advice from someone who’s been in the game—and in Hutchinson’s shoes.
If not for a brutal leg injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely, Hutchinson might’ve been the clear front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year. He fractured both his fibula and tibia in Week 6 but was cleared to participate in offseason activities and now faces the next hurdle: proving himself again when training camp begins.
As it stands, Hutchinson is eligible for a contract extension, and with Myles Garrett setting the top of the market at $40 million per year, the stakes are high. Even more so with new deals on the horizon for stars like T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons. According to John Maakaron of SI.com, whatever numbers Watt commands could significantly complicate the Lions’ negotiations with Hutchinson.
Given his recent injury, it’s understandable that some hesitation exists. Can he return to form quickly? Is he worth a top-tier payday now? These are fair concerns—ones that could be slowing Detroit’s decision-making.
Of course, the Lions have already locked Hutchinson in for the short term. They exercised his fifth-year option for 2026 at nearly $20 million, giving them two more seasons of control. But fans and analysts alike are wondering: Why hasn’t a long-term deal come together?
A Voice From the Past Weighs In
On a recent episode of Costa and Jansen on 97.1 The Ticket, former NFL offensive tackle and current radio host Jon Jansen chimed in. Jansen, a Michigan alum like Hutchinson and a former Lion himself, was asked what advice he’d give the young star if Hutchinson came to him seeking counsel.
Jansen didn’t shy away from sharing his perspective, starting by pointing out how the Lions have already extended some of their top draft picks, including Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown. So, it’s notable that there’s been radio silence when it comes to Hutchinson.
While part of that could be chalked up to the slow summer season in the NFL calendar, Jansen acknowledged that negotiations likely involve some give-and-take. The Lions may want further proof Hutchinson is back to full strength. Hutchinson, on the other hand, might be standing firm if the current offer doesn’t reflect his market value.
Costa posed a direct question: If Hutchinson had a deal on the table, what would Jansen tell him?
Jansen reflected on his own career decisions with a touch of regret. He often inked new deals early, long before free agency. That, he now says, may not have been the best move. His advice for Hutchinson?
“I would tell him, ‘Bet on yourself. Go out there and be the best version of Aidan Hutchinson,’” Jansen said. “Be the guy that had the 7.5 sacks in five games, that ended the year having the most sacks on the Lions despite only playing in five games. And I don’t care, everybody always says, ‘Oh, he was playing against backups.’ It doesn’t matter, they’re all NFL linemen…”
Jansen believes Hutchinson is capable of dominating over the full 17-game season. Whether he lines up against Pro Bowl-caliber tackles or replacement-level players, sacks are sacks—and Hutchinson has proven he can get them.
Timing Could Be Everything
There’s been talk that the Lions might not move to extend Hutchinson until the 2026 offseason. Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac even predicted that Detroit may “table” those discussions until then.
Jansen, however, pushed the idea that Hutchinson shouldn’t be in a rush either. He reminded listeners how different the financial landscape is today compared to his playing days.
“The difference of when I played and when Aidan’s playing is the amount of money… The money has 100 percent exploded,” Jansen said. “I would tell him, ‘Bet on yourself, go out there, have a dominant year.’ I would almost say, ‘Bet on yourself for the next two years, push it to free agency.’”
That strategy, of course, comes with risks. But if Hutchinson performs the way many believe he can, he’d force Detroit into a tough position—either hit him with the franchise tag or break the bank with a record-setting extension.
“He has all the public support on his side,” Jansen added. “We’re talking about trying to find someone opposite of him… could you imagine if we got to a world where he’s too expensive for the Lions and they decide he is the odd man out? This place would blow up.”
Waiting for the Market to Settle
It’s possible that Hutchinson is strategically waiting. New contracts for Watt, Parsons, and potentially Trey Hendrickson could push the market even higher. By being patient, he might land a more lucrative deal.
There’s little doubt the Lions want to keep Hutchinson long-term. The question is when the two sides will finally agree on the numbers. That answer might not come until next offseason—or later.
But if Jansen’s words carry weight, Hutchinson already holds the cards. Betting on himself might be the smartest play he can make.