By Sunday 
Detroit’s star edge rusher is poised for a significant extension amid early contract discussions
The Detroit Lions are already laying the groundwork to lock in one of their most promising defensive talents for the long haul. Aidan Hutchinson, who was selected No. 2 overall in the 2022 draft, is now eligible for a contract extension this offseason. With his strong impact on the field—even overcoming a broken leg that sidelined him in Week 6—Hutchinson is emerging as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL.
Hutchinson’s Early Impact
Hutchinson has been everything the Lions hoped he’d be. If not for the setback from his broken leg last season, he might have even contended for Defensive Player of the Year. Despite missing nearly half the season, he posted an impressive 7.5 sacks in less than five full games. Now, three seasons into his career, the time is ripe for a long-term commitment.
Early Contract Talks Underway
The Lions can pick up Hutchinson’s fifth-year option by May 1, but insiders suggest that will likely just be a placeholder for a more lucrative extension. As he nears the end of his rehab, expectations are high that the team will secure his services long-term.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the situation at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Reflecting on the value of elite edge rushers, Holmes remarked,
“Just because we lost a star pass rusher due to injury, that doesn’t mean that other teams are going to say, ‘Hey, we have a star pass rusher. I know that you lost one, but we have one. Would you like to have this one?’”
He added, with a smile,
“Again, we have one that’s due for an extension and we’ve already kind of gotten to the planning stages about him. When you talk about adding another, it’s can you financially add another one? Because you want to add the other one on top of everything else you already have and that makes it tough.”
A Key Piece for Future Success
The Lions have been proactive in securing their core players—extending the contracts of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Jared Goff, and Alim McNeill, among others. Hutchinson’s potential extension fits neatly into that broader strategy. If the deal comes together, he could soon be one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league, if not the best, and a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense for years to come.
Looking Ahead
While the details of what “planning stages” entail remain under wraps, one thing is clear: Detroit is committed to keeping Hutchinson a Lion for the foreseeable future. His blend of raw talent, resilience through injury, and on-field production makes him a premium asset in a tough, financially challenging market. As the offseason progresses, fans can look forward to more details on what promises to be a pivotal move for the team.
With early contract talks already in motion, the future of Aidan Hutchinson looks bright—and the Lions are determined to secure his talents as they build a competitive roster for the coming seasons.