Reports out of Detroit Lions training camp indicate that defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is completely recovered from the broken leg that cut short what was shaping up to be a Defensive Player of the Year season in 2023.
With that in mind, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has confirmed that extension talks are underway, negotiations that would place the 2022 No. 2 overall pick among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL.
The large-scale figures involved naturally add complexity to the discussions. A yearly salary close to $40 million is possible, while the guaranteed money and how it’s arranged remain major sticking points. The edge rusher market is still moving upward, and if Trey Hendrickson or Micah Parsons finalize their deals, the numbers could shift again.
In contrast to the situations surrounding Hendrickson and Parsons, the dialogue between Hutchinson and the Lions has been friendly. It feels like only a matter of when, not if, a long-term deal is agreed upon.
Hutchinson addressed the media following Thursday’s joint session against the Houston Texans. Naturally, reporters asked about the progress of his extension negotiations.
“I’ve kept myself pretty hands-off with the talks,” Hutchinson explained. “Sometimes the business side can distract from your passion for the game. That’s just the reality in this league. I’ve got trusted people close to me handling that, so my full attention is staying on the field and doing what I love.”
A reporter followed up, almost as if his initial answer wasn’t enough, asking when he thought an agreement might come (“sometime during the season?” or “after the year?”).
“I honestly don’t know. You’ll have to ask the guys upstairs,” Hutchinson replied, motioning toward the front office area.
Hutchinson essentially gave the response most players in his spot would, which isn’t a negative. He’s concentrating on what he can control between the lines, while letting his representatives manage the contract business.
That’s the strategy any player should maintain in negotiations, unless matters turn sour and stronger comments become necessary. Most tension in these scenarios usually stems from management, like we’ve seen with the Bengals and Hendrickson or the Cowboys with Parsons.
The Lions won’t be creating issues with Hutchinson, because they truly value him and plan to secure his future as one of the league’s highest-paid edge defenders. At the right time, which could arrive soon, the agreement will get finalized.?
