NFL teams like the Detroit Lions have until Thursday, May 1, to decide whether to exercise or decline the fully guaranteed 5th-year options of the 1st round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft class for the 2026 season. 5th-year option values are determined based on their position and the four unique tiers, including basic, playtime, one Pro Bowl, or multiple Pro Bowls on the original ballot. Over The Cap goes through each tier in further detail.
The Lions selected two players and have less than a week to make up their minds.
The Detroit Lions’ No. 2 pick is categorized in tier 3
Since Aidan Hutchinson made it to a Pro Bowl on the original ballot in 2023, his 5th-year option is classified under tier 3. Tier 3 is worth $19.872 million, the equivalent of the transition tag tender for an EDGE rusher/defensive end. The transition tag is the average of the top ten highest-paid salaries at the position from the previous year.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft Class: Picks 1-8
Detroit Lions make $19 million call on elite defensive playmaker
According to Field Yates, the Lions have officially exercised Aidan Hutchinson’s and Jameson Williams’ 5th-year options for the 2026 season. As a result, he will be under contract through 2026 and will make $19.872 million fully guaranteed. There is a chance the front office secures Hutchinson to a monster long-term contract extension, which would make him one of the top pass rushers in the league.
The Lions have exercised the 2026 fifth-year team options on DE Aidan Hutchison and WR Jameson Williams, per source. pic.twitter.com/zsCWzLXFHm
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 25, 2025
