Lions should follow Aidan Hutchinson deal by stealing a star from Aaron Glenn
Aidan Hutchinson got PAID, like, a lot of money. We're talking boatloads of cash to ensure he remains with the Detroit Lions for the long haul.
Detroit has officially put its chips on the table by signing Hutchinson to a contract extension that pays him $45 million annually through 2030. Not that they weren't already doing this, but it's time to build around him and do what's necessary to get over the hump.
Hutchinson's future is secured, and the Lions are in a crystal clear championship window. What better way to lean into the "all-in" approach they're taking than to parlay the star pass rusher's payday with a blockbuster trade? With that in mind, Detroit can reconnect with an old friend to pry standout defensive lineman Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
Lions should parlay Aidan Hutchinson contract extension with blockbuster Quinnen Williams trade
Williams is an elite run-stopper with a proven knack for getting to the quarterback. He's among the most impactful contributors at his position and profiles as an ideal complement to Hutchinson.
Former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now the head coach of the Jets. Things haven't gone well in his transition from the Motor City to East Rutherford, to say the least. So, many are looking at New York as a possible seller ahead of the league's Nov. 4 deadline to strike a deal.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic ($) said to "keep an eye on the Jets," noting that rival clubs have "[shown] interest in" Williams. New York ostensibly hasn't rebuffed offers for the 2019 No. 3 overall selection, though their "asking price is massive."
Why can't the Lions, a squad that takes great pride in winning in the trenches, swing for the fences to bring in Williams? Outgoing package aside, they'd be adding one of football's premier interior D-linemen to form a dynamic game-wrecking duo with Hutchinson. Moreover, both players are in their prime and under contract for multiple seasons, giving Detroit an exceptional foundation up front.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox identified the Lions as a "potential suitor" for Williams, citing recent reporting that teams have inquired about the three-time Pro Bowler. Pulling off a move of this magnitude will cost premium draft capital. Nevertheless, Detroit is among the few that should be willing to do it if given the chance.
The Raiders' Handling of Jakobi Meyers Has Caused a Stir
The Las Vegas Raiders must figure out what, if anything, to do with their top wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers.
Raiders Fumble Meyers Situation
Meyers requested a trade shortly before the season, but the Raiders turned him down. He restated the same desire heading into the Bye Week. Now, the Raiders have less than a week to decide. Raiders legend Lincoln Kennedy is not fond of how the Raiders have handled the whole thing.
“The situation with Jakobi is mishandled in many ways, because if they could have found a way to make it work, here is a receiver who’s already established himself as a receiver and can grow into this offense and be more productive if allowed,” Kennedy said on the Locked On Raiders podcast.
“We’ve seen flashes of it. We haven’t seen consistency, but we saw flashes of it… If we’re going to part ways with him, we’re really starting over again, and this goes back to my original point that I’ve been saying all year. You can’t keep starting over. You can’t keep starting over with new coaches and new players and expect to get anywhere because it just doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t walk onto the field and be like, ‘Oh, there’s my new number one.
“Because this offense hasn’t been consistent throughout the season, we’re still left holding whatever we’re holding in our hands, hoping that we can grip on and maybe get a win or get a collective offense. I don’t know how it happens overnight. That’s why I said this whole Jakobi Meyers thing has just been handled, really handled not well, in my opinion.”
The Raiders must make a decision soon on Meyers' future with the team as the trade deadline is fast approaching. Whether they keep Meyers or not, the addition of veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett should help compensate for the loss of Meyers.
If the Raiders keep Meyers past the deadline, they will then have him, Lockett, and a healthier Brock Bowers in the mix moving forward. Still, Carroll noted it is too soon to make any assumptions.
"I'm going to need more days, as far as immediately, how much he can help. But he's a tremendous football player. He's got great background, great savvy play-making ability, a real natural sense about understanding how to play the game,” Carroll said.
“He and Brock [Bowers] and Jakobi [Meyers] share a lot of characteristics in how they play the game and how they make things happen and make it look effortless at times. And so, [Tyler] Lockett has been a great performer historically, and I'm thrilled to have him part of the program. I want to see how fast we can move the thing along, see if he can contribute."
