The Detroit Lions are seriously shaking things up. Much of the credit goes to their impressive 2022 draft class, which has consistently delivered standout performances. One of the biggest names from that group is Aidan Hutchinson, who’s been making waves on the field with his dominant play. Now, with extension talks heating up, Hutchinson is proving he’s one of the best from that class. The Lions clearly understand their actions and want to keep Hutchinson in Detroit for a long time.
Hutchinson is now eligible for a contract extension — and rightly so. Before suffering a season-ending injury, he was putting up elite numbers. In just five games (following the team’s early bye week), he led the league in sacks, quarterback hits, and pressures. He racked up 40 quarterback pressures in that span — far more than anyone else over the same stretch.
Just this Saturday, the NFL Rumors page on X reported: “NFL RUMORS: #Lions Aidan Hutchinson is believed to get an extension sometime this offseason to make him one of the top three highest-paid edge rushers. #OnePride #NFL.” It’s out there now.
Ironically, while sacking Dak Prescott, Hutchinson injured himself. But even after missing 12 games, he still led the Lions in sacks for the 2024 season with 7.5. That’s nearly unheard of. No one has led their team in sacks after playing so few games. Unless you count the strike years. And get this: his speed-rush win rate was the best in the league among high-volume pass rushers this year. He was on fire.
NFL RUMORS: #Lions Aidan Hutchison is believed to get an extension sometime this offseason to make him one of the top 3 highest-paid edge rushers. #OnePride #NFL pic.twitter.com/eYUCWqH4i4
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 24, 2025
Hutchinson is under contract for two more years, but the big question is: will the Lions lock him in now with a major extension, or have him play another season at around $5.6 million? He’s already done enough to shift expectations for what players at his position can earn — and he’s only 24. That’s what has everyone talking.
The edge rusher market saw two major shake-ups in March. First, Maxx Crosby of the Raiders signed a three-year, $106.5 million deal — averaging $35.5 million per year. Hence, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Wild, right? But then Myles Garrett of the Browns topped that with a four-year deal worth $40 million annually. Nuts.
So yes, it’s entirely possible H͏utc͏hinson could join the ranks of the top three highest-paid edge rushers. But before any of that can happen, he needs to get fully healthy and back in game shape. Here’s the update about his injury!
Aidan Hutchinson: Cleared and ready to roar on the field!
When the Detroit Lions return to practice next week, they’ll be welcoming back a familiar face — Aidan Hutchinson is back in action. For the first time in a while, he’ll be fully participating in practice. Hutchinson, the team’s top pass rusher, announced during a media session on Thursday that doctors had “fully cleared” him to play again. “I got cleared a while back, and I’m rolling with the boys now. I feel like I’m back to being myself again,” he said.
This is a big moment for Aidan Hutchinson. He missed a significant chunk of last season after breaking both bones in his lower leg — a brutal injury suffered in Week 6 against the Cowboys. Before that setback, Hutchinson was on a tear. He led the league in sacks with 7.5 through just five games, including a massive 4.5-sack performance against the Buccaneers.
But things quickly unraveled for the Lions. Hutchinson’s injury was just one of many. By December, nearly their entire starting defense was on the injury list — enough to fill every position. The situation became too much to manage. Detroit lost its only playoff game and gave up 45 points in the process — a disappointing end to a promising season.
Now, though, Hutchinson is healthy and cleared to return. The Lions are counting on him to get back on the field and make life miserable for opposing offenses.
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