Aidan Hutchinson extension just cast serious doubt over Lions' starter's future
With news of Aidan Hutchinson's four year, $180 million extension hitting the wire, the Detroit Lions have suddenly become a bit cash strapped.
After a few seasons of coasting off rookie deals and high-value contract signings that have simply panned out for the team, Detroit is approaching a crossroads as it pertains to their talented roster. Extensions are due up for Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta, and it's unlikely the team can sign all of them to the deals they command.
This means that someone will be the odd man out. It sure does feel like that player will be LaPorta, a key piece of Jared Goff's arsenal but one that could be seen as expendable, potentially, by the Lions' front office.
Lions facing down an impossible decision thanks to monster extension for Hutchinson
Let's take a quick look at the Lions' cap situation headed into 2026, knowing that Hutchinson is now set to earn $45 million per year over the next four seasons with Detroit.
Per Over the Cap, the team has $71 million in cap space prior to accounting for Hutchinson's deal. After, they'd be hovering at $26 million available. Gibbs, Campbell, LaPorta, and Branch are likely to command at least that much individually per year - especially Branch, who could be due for a deal similar to that of Kyle Hamilton's with the Baltimore Ravens.
LaPorta, amongst these players, is likely the most replaceable. Tight ends as reliable as him are a bit hard to come by, but the team has also done an excellent job of maintaining control of their better picks for their next few drafts. They could target one in 2026 or 2027 to make up for losing him, if they're unable to pay him.
So far this season, LaPorta has posted 339 receiving yards, two touchdowns, but just 29 receptions. Much of Goff's work has been with Amon-Ra St. Brown, raising concerns about Jameson Williams' future with the team after he was already secured by the front office for three years.
LaPorta is another target finding himself on the outside looking in on this offense as of late, which further speaks to the possibility that Detroit is okay with letting him go.
Maybe the Lions get fancy with restructuring ahead of time, but as of now, it seems like they're going to have to sacrifice at least one of these high-ceiling players.
Pittsburgh Steelers sign versatile former Philadelphia Eagles player
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jack Driscoll to their practice squad, the team announced. Driscoll has played both tackle spots and can kick inside to guard. Given the Steelers’ insistence on running a jumbo set, he can also play there, having played 21 career snaps.
Driscoll was the Eagles’ fourth-round pick out of Auburn in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has started in 18 games and played in 67 games over his career. After his rookie contract expired following the 2023 season, Driscoll was let go by the Eagles and signed a deal with the Miami Dolphins.
After the Dolphins released him, he was re-signed by the Eagles and eventually joined their active roster. He has not been signed by a team since the Super Bowl, and the Steelers will be his first landing spot.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 306 pounds, Driscoll has 33-inch arms and has become a versatile player who can play all over the offensive line. Driscoll has dealt with some injuries in his career, including a season-ending knee injury in 2020.
The Steelers brought him in for added depth following the injury to starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, who is battling a pectoral strain.
