The Detroit Lions just made a big-money move to lock in one of their brightest stars. According to reports, the team has officially exercised the fifth-year option on defensive end Aidan Hutchinson’s rookie deal—locking him in through the 2026 season with a fully guaranteed $19.872 million payout.
That price tag lands Hutchinson in Tier 3 of the NFL’s fifth-year option structure, reserved for players who’ve made a Pro Bowl on the original ballot. And if you’ve been paying attention, it’s clear Hutchinson has earned every bit of it. Since being drafted second overall in 2022, he’s become a force off the edge and a major tone-setter for this up-and-coming Detroit defense.
The move gives the Lions more time to work out what could become a blockbuster long-term extension—and you can bet that’s on the radar. Hutchinson is the type of player you build around, and GM Brad Holmes seems to know it.
In the same breath, the Lions also picked up wide receiver Jameson Williams’ fifth-year option, doubling down on two core pieces from the 2022 draft class. It’s a sign this team is fully committed to its young talent as it continues to chase championship-level expectations.
Aidan Hutchinson Gets $19.8M Boost as Lions Exercise Contract Option
