As the NFL offseason kicks into gear, discussions are heating up about which Detroit Lions players might secure long-term deals to remain in the Motor City. Among the most sought-after players for contract renewals are edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams. Both had standout seasons, despite Hutchinson being sidelined after Week 6 with a broken left fibula.
However, Detroit is now being advised to hold off on extending contracts for Hutchinson and Williams just yet.
Lions Urged to Prioritize Kerby Joseph
In a February 13 article for A to Z Sports, NFL analyst Mike Payton recommends that the Lions should offer a contract to safety Kerby Joseph this offseason, rather than Hutchinson or Williams.
Before getting upset about this suggestion, Payton explains that the timing plays a significant role. Both Hutchinson and Williams were first-round draft picks, making them eligible for fifth-year options, which means Detroit can negotiate with them next year instead.
Payton also points out that the Lions faced a nearly season-long injury with Hutchinson and a suspension with Williams, meaning both players are likely to wait until next year to sign contracts. According to Payton, they’ll likely aim for a strong season to maximize their earnings, and the Lions are not likely to offer top-dollar contracts under the current circumstances.
For these reasons, Payton advises the Lions to delay signing new deals for Hutchinson and Williams. On the other hand, he argues that the Lions should act quickly to extend Joseph, who had an outstanding All-Pro season, even earning votes for Defensive Player of the Year. Payton believes that Detroit could follow the same strategy they used with Penei Sewell, Jared Goff, and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s contracts last offseason—getting ahead of the market.
Additionally, Payton mentions that Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Kyle Hamilton is up for an extension, and many believe he will become the highest-paid safety in the NFL. If the Lions can finalize a deal with Joseph before Hamilton signs, they could potentially save money.
As for the players’ stats, Williams recorded 58 catches for 1,001 yards and 8 touchdowns in 15 games in 2024. Hutchinson posted 7.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback pressures before his injury. Joseph had an impressive 9 interceptions in 2024 alone.
Detroit Lions’ Super Bowl Hopes
Though it’s early to talk about the Super Bowl for next season, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks ranked the teams with the best chances to reach the big game. The Lions were placed at No. 2, trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles. While Brooks notes that losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could affect the team’s offensive style, he believes the return of a healthy and dominant defense under new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard could help the Lions dominate the NFC with a tough, blue-collar approach that would be effective in the postseason. Brooks adds that if Hutchinson and Alim McNeill return to form, the team will be even stronger.
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