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Wolverines in the NFL: A trade, Aidan Hutchinson's monster contract and huge week for national champions

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie7 hours agoCSayf23
J.J. McCarthy Aidan Hutchinson
Two former Michigan Wolverines football players, J.J. McCarthy and Aidan Hutchinson, battling it out in the NFL. (Photo by David Reginek-Imagn Images)

There were some big trades in the NFL ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, and a former Michigan Wolverines football standout was a part of one. The Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle was part of the blockbuster deal between with the New York Jets.

Smith was dealt to. New York along with first- and second-round NFL Draft picks in exchange for elite defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Smith has had a rough start to his professsional career, now in his third season, but gets a fresh start in New York.

Former Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, meanwhile, signed a four-year, $180 million contract extension that includes $141 million guaranteed last Wednesday. His $45 million average annual salary trails only Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons ($46.5). The guaranteed money is the most among non-quarterbacks in NFL history, according to Roster Management System.

The 25-year-old has totaled 140 tackles, 37 TFL, 35.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 11 pass breakups and 4 interceptions in 47 career NFL games. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

It was a big weekend for former Michigan players who went 15-0 and won the national championship in 2023, headlined by a big win for the Minnesota Vikings led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his third career start. He scored 3 total touchdowns in a 27-24 victory over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field and has still never lost a start in the state of Michigan.

The win meant a lot for McCarthy, who wore his blue-collar shirt pre and postgame that was given to him while at Michigan.

“Just the mentality,” McCarthy said. “I shed a lot of blood, sweat and tears here, and I’m a Michigan man through and through. I love this state. I love everything that went into cultivating and crafting everything I am as an individual, everything I am as a football player. It’s just something that I wanted to show tribute to.”

McCarthy wasn’t the only Michigan national champion to show out in week nine in the NFL. Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil had an interception, Arizona Cardinals corner Will Johnson forced a fumble and had a big pass breakup, tight ends AJ Barner (1) and Colston Loveland (2) combined for 3 touchdowns, including Loveland’s game-winner with 17 seconds left in the Bears’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in week nine:

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

Caught 3 passes for 24 yards and a rush for a 1-yard touchdown on a QB sneak in a 38-14 win over the Washington Commanders … Up to 5 total touchdowns on the season (4 receiving, 1 rushing) … Ranks tied fourth among NFL tight ends with 4 touchdown grabs … Has made 21 receptions for 236 yards on the season.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Had a bye …  Has a 51.1 PFF grade for the year … Started all eight games this season for the 6-2 Buccaneers, three at center and the last five at left guard.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns

Had a bye … Started all eight tilts for the 2-6 Browns, tallying 58 tackles, 4 stops for loss, 1 sack, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan and UCLA running back carried 8 times for 25 yards and caught 1 pass for 21 yards in a 38-14 victory over the Washington Commanders … Racked up 230 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 80 carries and hauled in 7 catches for 57 yards in seven appearances for the 6-2 Seahawks.

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

The former Michigan wideout went off for 7 catches and 75 yards in an 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos … Caught 33 passes for 414 yards and 3 touchdowns in seven outings for the 3-5 Texans.

Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams

Had 13 rushes for 58 yards (4.5 yards per attempt) in a 34-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints … That was his career high in carries and only the second time he’s had double-digit rush attempts in a game … Rushed 54 times for 151 yards and 1 touchdown and hauled in 4 catches for 15 yards in eight games for the 6-2 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

The former Michigan and CMU defensive lineman posted 1 tackle in a 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills … Tallied 11 tackles with 2 for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception and a pass breakup in seven starts for the 5-4 Chiefs.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), DL, Green Bay Packers

Registered 3 tackles in a 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers … Totaled 27 tackles, 7 TFL, 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble in eight outings for the 5-2-1 Packers … His 29 pressures rank tied 22nd in the NFL among edge rushers … His 7.5 sacks check in tied fifth in the league.

Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions

Started at center in a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, grading out at 44.9 overall on PFF, allowing 3 pressures and 1 sack … Opened all eight games for the 5-3 Lions.

Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Expected to start playing after coming out of retirement just weeks ago … The Eagles had a bye over the weekend.

Mason Graham (2022-24), DT, Cleveland Browns

Had a bye … Has 17 tackles, 2 TFL, a half-sack and 2 pass breakups while starting all eight contests for the 2-6 Browns.

Kenneth Grant (2022-24), DT, Miami Dolphins

The former Michigan defensive tackle made 2 tackles in a 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Thursday night … Totaled 19 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 1 pass breakup while playing in nine games with three starts for the 2-7 Dolphins.

Jaylen Harrell (2020-23), OLB, Tennessee Titans

Made 2 tackles in a 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers … Posted 11 tackles in nine games for the 1-8 Titans.

Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Missed the last two games with a hamstring injury … Rushed 12 times for 30 yards and caught 4 passes for 13 yards in seven games for the 6-3 Chargers … Returned 6 kicks with a 23.5-yard average.

Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

The former Michigan defensive back made 7 tackles in a 47-42 loss to the Chicago Bears … Recorded 58 tackles, including 1 behind the line of scrimmage, with 1 interception and 2 pass breakups in nine starts for the 3-6 Bengals.

James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, New York Giants

Appeared on special teams in a 34-24 setback to the San Francisco 49ers … Competed in seven tilts with two starts at left tackle this season.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions

The former Michigan Heisman Trophy runner-up made 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack and 7 pressures in a 27-24 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings … Registered 18 tackles, 7 TFL, 7 sacks, a league-best 4 forced fumbles and 1 pass breakup in eight contests for the 5-3 Lions … His 55 pressures lead the league by 8 … Signed a massive contract extension earlier last week.

Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals

The former Michigan defensive tackle made a tackle in a 47-42 loss to the Chicago Bears … Tallied 23 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in nine appearances with two starts.

Will Johnson (2022-24), CB, Arizona Cardinals

Posted a career-high 6 tackles with a pass breakup and forced fumble in a 27-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys Monday night … Now has 19 stops, 6 pass breakups and a forced fumble in six games with four starts for the 3-5 Cardinals.

Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in two games this season … Played 6 snaps at left guard and 12 on special teams (field goal team).

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Made a tackle in a 30-29 overtime win over the Las Vegas Raiders … Tallied 30 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 8 pass breakups and 2 interceptions in eight games with seven starts for the 5-3 Jaguars.

Colston Loveland (2022-24), TE, Chicago Bears

Set career highs in catches (6) and receiving yards (118) while scoring the first 2 touchdowns of his rookie season in the NFL in a 47-42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals … His second touchdown was the game-winner, breaking tackles over the middle before going the distance with 17 seconds left … Team was trailing 42-41 before he found the end zone … Has made 17 catches for 234 yards and 2 scores in seven games with five starts for the 5-3 Bears.

J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings

Connected on 14 of his 25 pass attempts for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception while adding 12 rushes including 1 running touchdown in a 27-24 win over the Detroit Lions … McCarthy has never lost a start in the state of Michigan … That marked his return from missing five games with a high-ankle sprain and his third career start … Completed 57.6 percent of his throws for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns with 4 interceptions and has added2 rushing touchdowns on the season.

Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets

Had a bye … Totaled 10 stops with 1 for loss and 1 sack to go along with a pass breakup in seven appearances.

Joshua Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan safety recorded 5 tackles in a 27-24 win over the Detroit Lions … Made 46 tackles with 1 for loss, 4 pass breakups and 2 picks in eight starts on the season.

Joe Milton III (2018-20), QB, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in two contests this season, completing 6 of his 9 passes for 99 yards and 1 touchdown with 1 interception.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year notched 3 tackles, the second most he’s had in a game this season, in a 38-14 triumph over the Washington Commanders Sunday night … Made 12 tackles with 1 for loss and a pass breakup in eight appearances as a reserve.

Kalel Mullings (2020-24), RB, Tennessee Titans

Played in two games but is currently on injured reserve (ankle).

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

The former Michigan All-American recorded a tackle and half-sack in a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins Thursday night … Made 6 tackles and a half-sack in six appearances.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan center logged 3 snaps at center in a 38-14 win over the Washington Commanders, his third appearance of the season.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

Started at right guard in a 24-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons … Graded out at 51.8 overall on PFF and gave up 3 pressures, including 1 sack, in the game … Opened all nine contests this season at right guard for the 7-2 Patriots, who have won six-consecutive games.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

The former Michigan defensive end totaled 3 tackles in a 27-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Registered 17 stops, including 4 for loss, and 3 sacks in nine games with eight starts for the 7-2 Colts.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, Pittsburgh Steelers

Missed this weekend’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a quad injury he suffered in practice … Played in six outings with one start, registering 8 tackles and 1 fumble recovery.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

Posted a 49.6 overall PFF rating while allowing 1 sack in a 34-10 setback to the Los Angeles Rams … Opened eight games at right guard for the 1-8 Saints.

Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants

Graded out at 66.6 overall with 1 pressure allowed while opening at left guard in a 34-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers … Runyan has started all nine contests at right guard for the 2-7 Giants.

Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders

The former Michigan cornerback and wide receiver made 2 tackles, an interception and a pass breakup in a 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks … Tallied 41 tackles, 3 picks and 7 pass breakups in nine games with six starts for the 3-6 Commanders.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

The former Michigan tight end hauled in 1 catch for 14 yards on 2 targets in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals Monday night … Reeled in 8 grabs for 63 yards in nine games with three starts for the 3-5 Cowboys.

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, New York Jets

Traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Jets before Tuesday’s deadline … Made 3 tackles in five appearances this season.

Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Los Angeles Chargers

The former Michigan and Minnesota cornerback made a tackle in a 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans … Has 22 tackles, 5 pass breakups and a pick in nine clashes with two starts.

Josaiah Stewart (2023-24), OLB, Los Angeles Rams

Totaled 1 tackle in a 34-10 win over the New Orleans Saints … Recorded 9 stops, including 2 for loss, 2 sacks and 2 pass breakups in eight contests off the bench.

DJ Turner II (2019-22), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Tied his season high with 4 tackles and added a pass breakup in a 47-42 loss to the Chicago Bears … Posted 23 tackles, 2 for loss, an NFL-best 14 pass breakups and 2 interceptions while playing in nine games with eight starts for the 3-6 Bengals.

Joshua Uche (2016-19), OLB, Philadelphia Eagles

Had a bye … Recorded 17 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack and 1 pass breakup in eight bench appearances for the 6-2 Eagles.

Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), FB, Philadelphia Eagles

Suffered season-ending injury week one.

William Wagner (2019-24), LS, Cincinnati Bengals

Snapped 8 times in a 47-42 loss to the Chicago Bears and has played in every game this season.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

The former UMass and Michigan cornerback played on special teams in a 34-10 win over the New Orleans Saints … Appeared in eight games for the 6-2 Rams, tallying 4 tackles.

Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Caught 1 pass for 4 yards in a 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts … Hauled in 9 receptions for 114 yards and a score in eight games with two starts.

Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns

Appeared in just one game this season, an Oct. 19 win over the Miami Dolphins.