Pride of Detroit
Aidan Hutchinson will be a Detroit Lion for the foreseeable future.
Per several reports, the Lions and Hutchinson have agreed upon a four-year extension. As of this publication, details have not emerged on the compensation.
Hutchinson, drafted second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been one of the top players on the team since entering the league. In his rookie season, he tallied 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three interceptions—leading him to finish second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting (behind Sauce Gardner). The next year, he took his game to a new level, earning 51 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception—earning his first Pro Bowl honors.
In 2024, Hutchinson was making his case for best defensive player in football before suffering a broken leg in Detroit’s Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys. That would end his season, but he still managed to finish the year with 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a team-leading 45 pressures. His 94.9 PFF grade was also best among all edge defenders last year (minimum 250 snaps).
All offseason, the Lions had made it clear they wanted to lock up Hutchinson long-term.
“He will be here the long haul, I can assure you of that,” team president Rod Wood said during a pre-draft event.
As for the injury, Hutchinson appeared to be a full participant during OTAs and says he’s fully recovered. Barring a setback, he should be ready to go once training camp starts.
The Lions have now handed extensions to seven players who were drafted by general manager Brad Holmes:
They’ve also handed Jared Goff a major extension.
Yet another Detroit Lions player gets the bag. Congrats, Aidan!
