The Detroit Lions made one big decision this offseason: they’re not bringing Za’Darius Smith back in 2025. But when it comes to Aidan Hutchinson, the plans couldn’t be more different.
Aidan Hutchinson Aidan Hutchinson contract extension
Hutchinson’s Long-Awaited Return
Lions fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Hutchinson back on the field. On Sunday, September 7, he returns against the Green Bay Packers, marking his first game action since breaking his leg last year in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Before the injury, Hutchinson was on an absolute tear. He had already racked up 7.5 sacks in just four-and-a-half games, a blistering pace that would have put him in contention to lead the NFL in sacks. Instead, the year ended early, and Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson went on to claim the sack crown with 17.5, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
Still, Hutchinson has already proven his dominance.
2022: Finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
2023: Earned his first Pro Bowl nod with 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 33 QB hits.
2024: On pace to easily surpass both of those years before the injury hit.
Simply put: Hutchinson is the face of Detroit’s pass rush and one of the premier young defenders in the NFL.
Lions Want to Lock Him Up
That’s why it’s no surprise that the Lions are already thinking long-term. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Detroit has started discussions on what’s expected to be a massive contract extension.
“Week 1 can create urgency for contract extensions that teams or players slow-played over the past four months,” Fowler wrote. “Here are a handful of candidates I’m keeping my eye on: Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson will capitalize on the ballooning pass-rush market, and the Lions have begun discussions with him.”
It makes sense. The pass-rush market has exploded in recent years, and Hutchinson, entering his fourth season, is set to cash in. The Lions know they’ll need to pay him like one of the very best at his position, because he already is.
Why This Matters for Detroit
The Lions are trying to do more than just win the NFC North again, they’re building a sustained contender. Keeping a homegrown star like Hutchinson around for the long haul is non-negotiable.
And it’s not just about sacks. Hutchinson’s presence changes everything:
He frees up teammates like Marcus Davenport
He forces opposing quarterbacks into mistakes that help Detroit’s ball-hawking secondary.
He embodies the gritty, relentless culture that Dan Campbell has instilled.
Letting a player like that walk? Not happening.
The Bottom Line
The Lions may have moved on from Za’Darius Smith, but Aidan Hutchinson isn’t going anywhere. His return from injury this week is huge for Detroit’s defense, and his looming extension is even bigger for the franchise’s future.
If Hutchinson stays healthy, the Lions won’t just be paying him like one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, they’ll be paying him because he is one.