32 Comments
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k Swartz's avatar

Worth every penny, however many it is. But I wish the NFL would come up with a system where the salary cap wouldn't apply to players a team drafts and develops. One can dream...

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Justin Rogers's avatar

It would require caps on individual players, and the union is unlikely to ever bite on such a concept.

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Philip Fracassi's avatar

Great news.

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Scott Flegel's avatar

I just like the way this Lion's front office goes about it's business. If they are a great player, they say it. They seem grateful to have to pay the core players what is needed. Brad always says they have a financial plan and they negotiate before the need arises. So hat's off to the cap guru and the rest of the organization.

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John Lawton's avatar

Less than half of the projected Tarik Skubal long-term contract money! A bargain. But only 4 MLB teams can play in that sandbox. Thank goodness for NFL revenue sharing and salary cap structure.

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Tony Hughey's avatar

I'm glad they got it done. I'm a little surprised his agent didn't push him to wait until the off-season to agree. If Hutch continues to put up the numbers he has been, seems like he could have gotten more.

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Closet Rebel's avatar

Who will be the first star player the Lions will trade in hopes of keeping things going. My guess is Williams, Branch or LaPorta.

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Robert Honeyman's avatar

Trading Jamo would incur a cap serious hit.

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Closet Rebel's avatar

That sucks. I think Teslaa would be able to replace his production on a 3 round rookie salary. That leaves Branch, Laporta, and Campbell. I would think LaPorta could be traded rather then give him a big contract. Not sure if they could get Hockenson like value for him though.

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Robert Honeyman's avatar

I think they all get extended, which is a better solution than not planning optimizing cap management.

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Bill Kowske's avatar

Keep locking this core group down! Early and often!!! Thanks Justin

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B Pierce's avatar

Does this tear up and replace the 5th yr money or start after that?

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Justin Rogers's avatar

After. Although that fifth-year money will be adjusted and moved around as part of the full language. The full structure won't be available for days, maybe weeks.

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Charlie Brown's avatar

I'm pretty sure it starts after Hutch's 5th year, 2026, since he's now signed through 2030.

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Cliff Johnson's avatar

With Ragnow's retirement / release of Zadarius Smith in the offseason... What is our salary cap room for the rest of this year? Could we take on a big contract with no guaranteed money past this year? I know the big extensions are all kicking in soon, so taking on big guaranteed money beyond 2025 doesn't make sense...

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Robert Honeyman's avatar

Next year's cap is ugly but manageable. Rentals at high prices will make it more difficult to manage.

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Cliff Johnson's avatar

Yes! Glad to see this get done. Now - we can go shopping for some depth in secondary / maybe some EDGE depth / possibly a Left Tackle in the last year of a deal?

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Robert Honeyman's avatar

Some might call that cap malpractice. Past history suggests the team will roll with what it has, churning the bottom of the roster to improve quality of "next man up." A critical season-ending injury to any of a small group of players might change that ala Hutchinson last year, but bringing on expensive depth in anticipation is just not how Holmes runs his desk.

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John Mullen's avatar

Great job wrapping this up during the break

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Brian Mullins's avatar

Just curious if this could free up money before the trade deadline? lol

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Justin Rogers's avatar

The Lions didn't need to free up money. They had plenty of cap space. This should help with 2026 space, though.

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Brian Mullins's avatar

Thanks for ruining that moment for me lol. I still expect a trade!

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Robert Honeyman's avatar

Why?

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Charlie Brown's avatar

Reality be like that.

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Jay Swathirajan's avatar

My thought exactly, at the very least you know what money is available

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Justin Rogers's avatar

Terms aren't out yet, and first batch of reports will be max value, but I expect the new money to be the most ever for a non-QB.

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Justin Rogers's avatar

Terms added.

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Crixcyon's avatar

I am guessing the cost will be $170 million.

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Jim Pen's avatar

I think you're too low

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TJ Sharpe's avatar

Hell yeah!

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alena's avatar

Hutch deserves it hell yeah!

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