By Moses Joshua 
After a record-breaking start cut short by injury, the Lions’ defensive anchor is ready to make history in his comeback year
A Season of High Hopes and Harsh Turns
When the curtain rose on the 2024 NFL season, few players were under more pressure — or held in higher regard — than Aidan Hutchinson. The Detroit Lions’ star edge rusher had become the heartbeat of Dan Campbell’s defense, and the expectations were immense. Entering his third year, fresh off his first Pro Bowl nod, Hutchinson was not just a fan favorite — he was a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
And then, in Week 5, everything changed.
A brutal leg injury against the Cowboys ended what could’ve been a historic season. Hutchinson had started the year on an absolute tear, averaging 1.5 sacks per game — a pace that would’ve shattered the NFL single-season sack record. But the fractured tibia and fibula didn’t just sideline him — it rocked the foundation of the Lions’ defense.
Dominance in a Shortened Campaign
Despite appearing in just five games, Hutchinson’s 2024 campaign left an indelible mark. He recorded 7.5 sacks, 17 QB hits, and 7 tackles for loss. More impressively, Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 1 defensive end in both pass rushing (95.0) and overall defensive impact (94.9) across all qualifying edge rushers.
Even his perceived weaknesses — tackling and run defense — improved dramatically. His tackling grade jumped from a poor 34.2 in 2023 to a respectable 70.4, climbing over 90 spots in PFF’s rankings.
Had he stayed healthy, there’s little doubt Hutchinson would have been at the top of the DPOY race. His presence on the field changed everything — not only in terms of scheme, but also how opposing offenses approached Detroit. Without him, the Lions’ front four lost its teeth, and ripple effects were felt from the line to the secondary.
Resilience and Redemption in 2025
Now, the spotlight returns to Hutchinson as he gears up for a 2025 comeback campaign — one that could etch his name in the record books. Fully cleared from injury and active in offseason OTAs, he’s already impressing onlookers and team brass alike.
“Aidan looks great, man,” GM Brad Holmes told Chris Long. “He’s been out there in OTAs… he looks explosive, he’s changing direction. I mean, he looks really good, man.”
This isn’t Hutchinson’s first brush with adversity. In 2020 at Michigan, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury only to rebound with a dominant 2021 college season that launched him into the NFL as a top draft pick. But this time, the stakes — and the spotlight — are bigger than ever.
Stronger Together: Revamped Support Cast
Unlike earlier years, Hutchinson won’t be alone in the trenches. The Lions have retooled their defensive front to better support their star. Veteran Marcus Davenport returns from injury, while rookies like Ahmed Hassanein and first-round pick Tyleik Williams bring fresh energy and rotational depth. Roy Lopez adds veteran muscle inside, and Al-Quadin Muhammad brings edge-setting reliability.
Even with Alim McNeill temporarily sidelined, Detroit’s D-line rotation looks deeper than ever. That bodes well for Hutchinson, who won’t need to play every snap like a superhero — though he often does anyway.
The Awards Within Reach
Oddsmakers have taken notice. FanDuel currently lists Hutchinson tied with Myles Garrett for the second-best odds to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year (+700), while he leads the pack in Comeback Player of the Year odds (+320).
If Hutchinson replicates his early 2024 pace, a historic season isn’t just possible — it’s probable. The single-season sack record of 22.5, long held by legends like Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, is within reach. So are the league’s top individual honors.
For Hutchinson, the goal isn’t the accolades. It’s the dominance. But if his health holds and his motor runs as hot as ever, 2025 could be the year he puts it all together — and takes home not one, but two major NFL awards.