Aidan Hutchinson is now eligible for a contract extension, and discussions have already begun between him and the Detroit Lions.
Since being drafted second overall in 2022, Hutchinson has lived up to expectations, becoming a key part of the Lions’ defense. Before suffering a broken leg in Week 6 last season, he recorded 7.5 sacks in under five full games and was a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
With three seasons under his belt, Hutchinson qualifies for an extension this offseason. The Lions have the option to exercise his fifth-year option by May 1, but that may just serve as a temporary measure while working on a long-term deal. As he continues his recovery, he expects to be ready for the team’s offseason program.
Detroit has been proactive in securing contract extensions for its core players, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Jared Goff, and Alim McNeill. It’s only a matter of time before Hutchinson joins the ranks of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league—if not the very highest.
GM Brad Holmes Hints at Hutchinson’s Contract in Edge Rusher Discussion
Speaking at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Lions general manager Brad Holmes emphasized how difficult and costly it is to acquire elite pass rushers.
“Just because we lost a star pass rusher due to injury doesn’t mean another team will just hand us theirs,” Holmes said with a smile. “Those guys are hard to find, and they’re expensive to keep.”
Holmes then acknowledged that the team has already begun planning for Hutchinson’s extension, hinting that financial constraints may make it difficult to add another high-priced edge rusher.
While the specifics of these “planning stages” remain unclear, it’s evident that the Lions are working to secure Hutchinson’s long-term future with the franchise.
Leave a Reply