ALLEN PARK — Aidan Hutchinson hasn’t thought much about how he’s going to handle the life-changing money he’s set to receive, but he does know one purchase he’s on the hook for after landing a record-breaking contract extension from the Detroit Lions on Wednesday.
“I think the D-line, they are expecting a Christmas present this year,” Hutchinson said Thursday. “So, I will have to deliver on that. I’ve already got some stuff in the works that I’ve been thinking about.”
Hutchinson’s new pact with the Lions, which tacks four years and $180 million onto his already-existing rookie deal, is scheduled to keep him in Detroit through the 2030 season. It includes $141 million in guarantees, the most ever for a non-quarterback in NFL history.
“It sounds kinda cool,” Hutchinson, 25, said of the record. “But if I ask myself why I play this game and why I do what I do, the money is really a byproduct. So, while a lot of those numbers are fun to look at — and it’s cool and it’s such a blessing — in order to for me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep looking forward, I focus on my play and my evolution as a player. Because, to me, when I see that, that fires me up more than money ever would.”
Hutchinson did his best to stay away from negotiations, leaving most of the responsibilities to both his agent and parents.
“These things can get a little bit hairy the more you get into it and the longer it goes, as you see with other guys around the league,” Hutchinson said. “Obviously, you want to avoid those situations, and we were able to get it done and move on from it. Just super grateful and just ready to focus everything on this season and … on what’s important.”
The Lions have signed seven of general manager Brad Holmes’ draft picks to multi-year extensions, as Hutchinson joins a group already including offensive tackle Penei Sewell, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, linebacker Derrick Barnes and safety Kerby Joseph.
Those seven extensions, plus deals with quarterback Jared Goff and running back David Montgomery, total more than $968 million. The Lions have invested in their core group of players — more commitments are likely on the horizon, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch all becoming extension eligible next March — and they’re in line to remain together for the foreseeable future.
“Everybody knows we’ve got the pieces,” Hutchinson said. “We’ve just got to go out there and do it, you know? We know we have the talent and we have the coaches to do it, the culture. Everything is set and in place. Last year was what it was. But this year, that will always be the goal with this group.”
Hutchinson has shown no signs of dropping off since returning from the broken leg he suffered last October. He was a force in training camp and has extended that play into the regular season; he leads the NFL in pressures (48) and paces the Lions in sacks, with six. His win rate (25.2%) ranks third among all players in the league who’ve had at least 100 snaps as a pass rusher, behind Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. (29%) and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett (26.9%).
“That’s where, in those moments of the unknowing, you just have to rely on God’s plan and God’s journey for you,” Hutchinson said of his injury, which occurred just over a year ago. “Because, ultimately, I wasn’t expecting to get hurt last year, and it happened. Although it served as a bump in the road in my eyes, it’s set me up this year for an incredible comeback. … Looking back now, a year later from when it happened, I feel like I’m in a great spot.”
Hutchinson received congratulatory messages from a number of personalities in the NFL, including some of the best pass rushers who’ve come before him, in Michael Strahan and J.J. Watt. One person who did not reach out, however, was Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Hutchinson’s former teammate at Michigan who he’ll be trying to sack Sunday.
“I did not get a text from any Minnesota Vikings,” Hutchinson said, smiling. “No, I did not.”