Nick Bosa was the highest-paid edge rusher entering the 2025 offseason. His 49ers contract averages $34 million per season, an amount that has been eclipsed many times this spring.
Maxx Crosby’s new deal with the Raiders is for $35.5 million per year, while Myles Garrett swiftly exceeded that sum. The latter’s Browns trade request was denied, and a four-year, $160 million deal was negotiated. Garrett currently tops the group in edge rush compensation, however Ja’Marr Chase’s Bengals contract gives him the biggest income among non-quarterbacks at $40.25MM per year.
If the Lions want to sign Aidan Hutchinson, they may need to outperform Garrett and Chase. The EDGE market may see additional action at (or near) the top, which might drive up the asking price for an extension for the 2022 draft’s second overall choice. However, general manager Brad Holmes and the Lions are well aware of the cost of signing Hutchinson.
“It is what it is,” Holmes remarked, referring to the escalating expense of premier edge rushers.
“I mean, we had it in that range kind of already when we do our future planning and budgeting, but then obviously when it goes up it just goes up and that’s just what you got to prepare for.”
Indeed, the growing pay cap led to the anticipation that Bosa’s contract would be surpassed as the most paid for pass rushers this spring. Similarly, Justin Jefferson’s reign as the top earner among receivers (and non-QBs) was brief. Chase may be exceeded in this aspect once one of the next prospective mega-deals for edge rushers is finalized. Hutchinson is joined by Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), and T.J. Watt (Steelers) as players set to receive significant raises on their next contracts.
The 24-year-old had a terrific debut season, recording 9.5 sacks, then increased his total to 11.5 the next season. Expectations were high for Hutchinson in particular, and the Lions in general, entering 2024, and he appeared to be on his way to Defensive Player of the Year candidacy with 7.5 sacks in five games. A broken fibula ruined his season, and he was unable to return for the playoffs. With a full recovery predicted, the Michigan product is a top extension priority for the Lions.
Detroit made some costly offensive commitments last offseason. Quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker all signed multi-year contracts, securing their spots for the foreseeable future. Keeping the running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery together beyond the next three years will become more expensive than it is now, and finding the cash for a second Jameson Williams contract could be difficult.
Nonetheless, Hutchinson and safety Kerby Joseph are important targets for in-house moves this summer. The Lions will almost certainly exercise Hutchinson’s 2026 fifth-year option, which is worth $20.86 million. A multi-year agreement will cost significantly more, but Detroit is clearly in the running to be the next team to make a huge commitment along the edge.
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