Lions Exercise Option to Extend Contracts for Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams
📢 The Detroit Lions made a move on Friday, locking in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams for the 2026 season by exercising their fifth-year options. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys also picked up Tyler Smith's option.
Hutchinson, the team's 2022 second overall pick, is now set to rake in a whopping $19.872 million. Williams, selected 12th in the same draft, stands to earn $15.493 million.
In his two seasons with the Lions, Aidan Hutchinson, 24, has made a big impact on defense and even scored a Pro Bowl selection for 2023. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in a game against the Cowboys last October.
Jameson Williams, 24, had a game-changing rookie season in 2024 with 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns. He's previously scored a total of 10 touchdowns in 33 career games (21 starts).
Tyler Smith, 24, from the Cowboys, is looking at a hefty payday of $23.4 million in 2026 after the team picked up his option. With two Pro Bowl appearances in his first three years, Smith has played in every game he's been available for.
🔍 Behind the Scenes: These moves by the Lions for Hutchinson and Williams extend their contracts through 2026, securing their football futures as the team negotiates potential long-term deals. Keep your eye on Hutchinson as he may soon earn an average annual value (AAV) that surpasses that of Myles Garrett[1]. However, there's still a lot left to be decided for Jameson Williams, with discussions about potential trades arising[5].
[1] Sources:https://overthecap.com/https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/
[3] Myles Garrett's Average Annual Value: $25.5 million
[4] NFC Defensive Player of the Month: September 2024
[5] Trades and Negotiations:https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/36074777https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10056484-nfl-trades that-could-happen-if-lions-trade-jameson-williams-analysis-of-suitors-potential-landing-spots
- The exercise of Aidan Hutchinson's fifth-year option by the Detroit Lions will see him earning a staggering $19.872 million in the 2026 season.
- Jameson Williams, the 12th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is set to cash in on his rookie success, with an expected income of $15.493 million in the same season.
- Despite the financial gains, Hutchinson, the Lions' star defensive end, faced a setback last October when he fractured his tibia and fibula in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
- In his rookie season of 2024, Williams made a significant impact, amassing 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his game-changing potential.
- Tyler Smith, a standout for the Cowboys, will earn a hefty $23.4 million in 2026, following the team's decision to pick up his option.
- With two Pro Bowl appearances in his first three years, Smith has proven his resilience, playing in every game he's been available for in the NFL.
