In the unpredictable NFL offseason, the Detroit Lions are being advised not to finalize contracts with Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams just yet.

As the NFL offseason progresses, discussions heat up about which Detroit Lions players might secure long-term deals. Among the top candidates for contract extensions are edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams. Both had standout seasons with the Lions, despite Hutchinson being sidelined after Week 6 due to a broken left fibula.

Now, Detroit is being advised to hold off on extending contracts for both Hutchinson and Williams at this time.

In a February 13 article for A to Z Sports, NFL analyst Mike Payton urges the Detroit Lions to focus on signing safety Kerby Joseph instead, rather than Hutchinson or Williams.

Before reacting too strongly to this suggestion, it’s important to consider Payton’s reasoning. He explains that both Hutchinson and Williams were first-round draft picks, meaning they are both eligible for fifth-year options, allowing Detroit to negotiate their contracts next year.

Payton further explains that the Lions faced a “near season-long injury” with Hutchinson and a suspension with Williams, suggesting that both players might prefer to wait until next season to sign contracts. “They’ll likely want to have a strong season and maximize their earnings,” Payton said. “At this moment, the Lions wouldn’t be offering them top dollar due to those factors.”

These are some of the reasons why it may be better to delay a new contract for Hutchinson and Williams. Regarding Joseph, Payton highlights the safety’s exceptional All-Pro season, which included votes for Defensive Player of the Year. He also mentions that the Lions could follow the same approach they used with Penei Sewell, Jared Goff, and Amon-Ra St. Brown last offseason by locking him in early, “getting ahead of the market.”

On a related note, Payton points out that Baltimore Ravens all-pro Kyle Hamilton is up for an extension this season, and many believe he will become the “highest-paid safety” in the NFL. If the Lions act swiftly and finalize a deal with Joseph before Hamilton signs, they could save money in the process.

In terms of statistics, Jameson Williams recorded 58 receptions for 1001 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games during the 2024 season. Hutchinson posted 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback pressures, but was out after Week 6. Joseph tallied nine interceptions in 2024 alone.

Though it’s early to talk about the Super Bowl for next year, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks ranked the teams with the best chances to make it, placing the Lions at No. 2, just behind the Philadelphia Eagles.

While Brooks acknowledges that the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson might reduce the Lions’ offensive flair, he believes the team could benefit from “the resurgence of a healthy and dominant defense under new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard,” which “could help them dominate the NFC with a blue-collar mentality in the postseason.” He adds that if Hutchinson and Alim McNeill return to full form, the Lions’ chances improve even more.