The Detroit Lions and Aidan Hutchinson have been in contract talks for months, but as Week 1 kicks off, no extension is in place. That doesn’t mean things have soured; in fact, sources describe negotiations as professional and amicable. Still, Lions fans are understandably anxious to see their defensive cornerstone secured long-term.
So why hasn’t a deal happened yet?
Aidan Hutchinson contract extension
The Dialogue Is Ongoing
General manager Brad Holmes has confirmed discussions are active, and Hutchinson himself has said the same. Both sides want to get something done. This isn’t about mistrust or a lack of communication.
In addition, when you consider everybody in the organization, from Holmes to head coach Dan Campbell, to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who have said Hutch looks even better than he did before he suffered his injury, the idea that Detroit might want to see Hutchinson in live action after last year’s broken leg doesn’t make much sense.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Through three NFL seasons, Hutchinson has proven why he’s the face of Detroit’s defense:
39 games played, 39 starts
28.5 career sacks (including 11.5 in 2023 before his injury)
122 combined tackles (82 solo, 40 assisted)
30 tackles for loss and 65 QB hits
4 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions
1 Pro Bowl selection (2023)
In 2024 alone, despite being limited to just five games before his injury, Hutchinson still recorded 7.5 sacks and 17 QB hits, a blistering pace that showed he was on track for his best year yet.
The Agent’s Timeline
As speculated by Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, the real reason for the holdup could have more to do with Hutchinson’s agent, Mike McCartney. He’s known for letting negotiations play out. Just last year, another McCartney client, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, didn’t sign his extension until October despite summer speculation.
McCartney’s strategy is simple: patience. It allows the market to reset and his client’s value to climb. That’s exactly what’s happening here.
The Market Has Exploded
Elite pass rushers have never been more valuable. Recent blockbuster deals for Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt reset the edge rusher market, pushing annual averages north of $40 million.
Where Hutchinson’s deal might have sat at $40M per year earlier this summer, the patient approach now has him positioned to demand $45–50M annually. His production, youth (just 25 years old), and franchise-cornerstone status make him the perfect candidate to set the bar even higher.
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What It Means for the Lions
The Lions have already proven they’re willing to invest in their stars, extending Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kerby Joseph, and Jameson Williams to massive deals. They’ll do the same with Hutchinson. The timing, however, is about leverage, not commitment.
Don’t be surprised if an extension comes midseason, just like it did with McNeill. Detroit knows it has to keep Hutchinson in Honolulu Blue for the long haul, and Hutchinson knows he’s about to be rewarded as one of the NFL’s highest-paid defenders.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about injuries or hesitation. It’s about timing, leverage, and letting the market play out. Hutchinson’s résumé, 28.5 sacks, 122 tackles, 30 TFLs, and a Pro Bowl nod in just three seasons, speaks for itself.
When the deal finally comes, expect it to make Hutchinson the highest-paid edge rusher in NFL history.