Following months of speculation and rumors, the Detroit Lions finally locked up their defensive anchor for years to come. Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson got the contract extension he wanted and deserved, getting $180 million over four years with $141 million guaranteed.
Given his youth and stellar production, plus the current state of the market for star defensive ends, that's the type of deal the Lions were obliged to give him. Now, ironically, they might need to play him a little less to make the most of that contract.
The Lions Can't Wear Aidan Hutchinson Out Now That They've Paid Him
Hutchinson is a true workhorse. He plays almost every snap on defense, and while he's as productive down the stretch as he is early in games and is clearly in peak physical condition, that may not be sustainable over time.
Throughout the course of his four-year career, he's played 84 percent, 91 percent, 81 percent, and 92 percent of defensive snaps. He didn't miss a single game in his first two years before suffering a gruesome leg injury seven games into last season.
For comparison, fellow star pass rusher Myles Garrett is playing just 76 percent of defensive snaps for the Cleveland Browns. T.J. Watt is at 81 percent for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Green Bay Packers only have Micah Parsons out there for 72 percent of the snaps.
Hutchinson is just 25 years old, but this isn't a matter of stamina but durability. He's been a perennial candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, and that should continue to be the case for as long as he's healthy.
This season, the Michigan product is up to 16 total tackles (11 solo) to go along with 13 QB hits, six tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, a league-leading four forced fumbles, one fumble recovered, and one pass defensed.
That type of stellar production was what got him that deal in the first place. He's up to 34.5 sacks per his career, and that's despite missing ten games last season. But even the best headhunters in the game need a breather now and then.
Football is arguably the most physical sport out there. Injuries are always a part of the equation, and Dan Campbell's team can't afford to have Hutchinson missing games again. They need to think about the big picture, even if that means his numbers will take a slight hit.