Aidan Hutchinson, a Lions star, is instructed to decline a contract extension.

There are many unexpected turns in the NFL offseason, and one of them might concern Detroit Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson, who is regarded as one of the team’s best players. Hutchinson had already recorded 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback pressures before suffering a broken left fibula and tibia during the Lions’ Week 6 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Hutchinson discussed the possibility of playing in the Super Bowl in good health throughout the season, but the Lions never made it. Hutchinson is now being advised against signing a contract extension with Detroit—at least not just yet.

The Prospects for Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit

NFL analyst and expert Mike Payton talks about Hutchinson’s condition in a January 30 feature for A to Z Sports, pointing out that his injury affects his ability to extend his contract with the Lions.

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He adds that he collaborated with cap expert Joshua Queipo to predict what this extension might include. “The Lions are expected to either use the fifth-year option or work up an extension with Hutchinson this offseason,” he says.

A “four-year deal worth $110 million with $82.5 million guaranteed and 60.5 fully guaranteed” is what Payton and Queipo envision. $27.5 million annually on average.

Although that is a good offer, Payton claims that he would decline it and accept a fifth-year option if he were Hutchinson. Payton’s reasoning is as follows before you go jump off a cliff.

“The injury will be a factor. He says, “We all want to pretend it’s not, but it is. “He’s not likely to receive what he deserves, even though we know that the Lions have set trends in that they will ensure that their players are paid more than the market.”

Although fifth in APY is “good,” he continued, “it could and should be first.” However, in the event that something goes wrong, the Lions must look after themselves.

Expand That Agreement Following a “Huge Season”

Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network mentioned Hutchinson in a feature on February 9 that covered a few NFL pass rushers. As he enters his fourth year on his rookie contract, they pointed out that Hutchinson might be the “next to get paid big” in the league.

SideLion Report’s Brad Berreman concurs that Hutch might benefit from waiting. “The Lions haven’t been afraid to pony up and pay their own, and Hutchinson is next in line for a contract at or near the top of the market for his position,” he writes in an article published on February 10.

Hutchinson, however, has “two years of contractual control left, and by then the other edge rushers Rapoport and Pelissero mentioned will likely have their new contracts,” according to Berreman. Since “the top of the market will be higher a year from now, perhaps after Hutchinson has had a huge season in a full return to health,” waiting might be beneficial for Hutch.

At $34 million annually, Nick Bosa leads the edge rusher market, followed by Josh Hines-Allen ($28.25 million) and Brian Burns ($28.2 million).