The division-rival Detroit Lions will soon make a big swing, but the Green Bay Packers already have their answer.
Zach Tom has spent the past three seasons shutting down elite pass-rushers, earning him a lucrative four-year extension on the eve of training camp.
It's important to find Pro Bowl-level pass-protectors, especially when Aidan Hutchinson resides in your division. The Lions' All-Pro pass-rusher is arguably the league's best, and he is expected to receive a multi-year extension of his own in the not-too-distant future.
Injury limited Hutchinson to only five games last season, but that didn't stop him from posting ridiculous numbers. He made 7.5 sacks, the same number as Rashan Gary managed in 17 games, while Pro Football Focus credited the Lions pass-rusher with 45 pressures. Hutchinson had more pressures in five games than Lukas Van Ness has made in his entire NFL career.
Fortunately, the Packers have a solution to the Hutchinson problem.
Zach Tom is the Packers' long-term answer to slowing down Aidan Hutchinson
It's only a matter of time before the Lions hand Hutchinson an open checkbook and give him a record-breaking contract. The Packers are ready.
Tom is an ascending player and is quickly becoming one of the premier pass-protectors in football. PFF gave Tom an excellent 81.4 pass-blocking grade in true pass sets last season, ranking eighth among tackles. In total, he allowed four sacks and two hits on 603 pass-blocking snaps.
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The former fourth-rounder hasn't matched up with Hutchinson often. Tom only became a full-time starter in 2023, and Hutchinson missed both games against the Packers last season. However, Tom played a crucial role in slowing down the Lions' star pass-rusher when they last met at Ford Field in 2023.
That day, the Packers' stunning 29-22 road win on Thanksgiving, Tom allowed three pressures but zero sacks or quarterback hits. Hutchinson finished without a sack, but he did make two hits.
It's impossible to stop Hutchinson. You can only hope to slow him down. The Packers achieved that in the 2023 matchup, and Tom played a starring role.
He has taken his game to new heights since then, resulting in this blockbuster extension.
Hutchinson will likely soon receive a massive new deal from the Lions, but the Packers already have a plan to slow him down.