Aidan Hutchinson’s new deal raises major questions about a Lions starter’s future
With Aidan Hutchinson’s four-year, $180 million extension now official, the Detroit Lions suddenly find themselves in a tight financial situation.
After several years of benefiting from rookie contracts and bargain deals that worked perfectly, Detroit is approaching a breaking point with its loaded roster. Extensions are looming for Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta — and it’s unlikely the front office can afford all of them at market value.
That means someone will likely be left out, and right now, it feels like that player could be LaPorta. He’s been a major part of Jared Goff’s passing attack, but the Lions could view him as a luxury rather than a necessity when cap space tightens.
Lions facing a difficult roster decision after Hutchinson’s massive payday
Looking at Detroit’s projected salary cap for 2026 gives a clearer picture of the challenge ahead. With Hutchinson now averaging $45 million annually, the team’s cap space shrinks drastically — from roughly $71 million to around $26 million, according to Over the Cap. Each of Gibbs, Campbell, Branch, and LaPorta could command close to that amount per season, especially Branch, who’s likely to earn a deal similar to Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton.
Among those players, LaPorta appears the most expendable. While dependable tight ends like him aren’t easy to replace, Detroit has managed its draft capital well and could target another one in 2026 or 2027 if they let him walk due to financial strain.
This season, LaPorta has tallied 339 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 29 catches. Much of Jared Goff’s production has flowed through Amon-Ra St. Brown, and that’s already caused questions about Jameson Williams’ role despite his recent three-year extension.
LaPorta has seen a smaller share of opportunities in recent weeks, suggesting the Lions might already be envisioning life without him.
Restructures could provide temporary relief, but unless Detroit makes creative financial moves, it seems inevitable they’ll have to part with at least one of their young cornerstones.
