.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
The Detroit Lions suffered a shocking 45-31 defeat to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs, as Dan Campbell's squad was completely outplayed for four quarters and wasted a golden opportunity to go on a lengthy postseason run.
Though Detroit's offense deserves a ton of blame for the team's ugly playoff exit, as the unit committed five turnovers and looked out of sync for most of the night, Aaron Glenn's defense also had zero answers for the Commanders' dynamic offensive attack.
Washington totaled 481 yards on offense, including 182 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry, and it's clear that the absurd amount of injuries the Lions' defense faced this year finally caught up to them.
The group suffered a plethora of key injuries throughout the season, but the biggest came in Week 6 versus the Dallas Cowboys when superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula. Hutchinson was on pace for a career year before being lost for the season, as the 2022 No.2 overall pick posted 7.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures in just five games.
Though Hutchinson's season-ending injury in mid-October derailed a potentially historic campaign, the 24-year-old is still one of the best defensive linemen in football, and Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicts general manager Brad Holmes will sign his Pro Bowl defender to a five-year, $177 million contract extension with $95 million fully guaranteed this offseason.
Before his season-ending injury, Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s proven he can be an All-Pro and there are no concerns regarding the recovery from a broken tibia impacting his ability when he returns to the field in 2025. So, now is the time to extend him before the asking price gets even higher.
Detroit should sign Hutchinson to a five-year, $177 million extension with the highest AAV ($35 million per season) and most fully guaranteed ($95 million).
This potential extension worth $35 million per year would make Hutchinson the highest-paid edge rusher in football, surpassing San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa, who earns $34 million per season.
Though Hutchinson is coming off a significant injury and this $177 million contract would be a large investment, there's no denying the former Michigan standout's impact when he's on the field. Hutchinson hasn't even entered the prime years of his career and is already one of the most dominant defensive players in the game when healthy.
Detroit should prioritize extending Hutchinson this offseason, no matter how much it will cost.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Detroit Lions urged to replace Aaron Glenn with 2-time NFL head coach
Lions predicted to cut ties with $14 million starter in 2025 offseason
Lions predicted to draft 23-sack, high-motor EDGE to pair with Aidan Hutchinson
NFL world left stunned by Lions' brutally ugly playoff loss to Commanders
English (US)