The Detroit Lions know what they have in Aidan Hutchinson: a cornerstone defender, a homegrown star, and a leader who embodies everything Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are building in Detroit. Now, it looks like they’re making sure he’s here for the long haul.
Brad Holmes Confirms Talks
When asked about a potential contract extension for Hutchinson, Lions GM Brad Holmes made it clear the two sides are already in discussions.
“Nothing’s changed from our end, in terms of the importance of getting something done,” Holmes said as quoted by Justin Rogers. “We have had dialogue. That has started. So we’ll just kind of see where it goes. In terms of the level of importance, that has not changed. It is very important.”
That’s as direct as it gets from Holmes, who usually keeps negotiations close to the vest. The takeaway: Hutchinson is a top priority, and Detroit intends to lock him in.
Why It Matters
The 25-year-old edge rusher has been everything the Lions hoped for when they drafted him second overall in 2022. Through his first three seasons, Hutchinson has racked up 28.5 sacks, 122 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and four forced fumbles. He earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up honors in 2022 and a Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
Even in 2024, despite injuries limiting him to just five games, Hutchinson posted 7.5 sacks, and he was on his way to winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Big Picture
With extensions looming for other core players down the line, Holmes and the Lions front office are clearly prioritizing Hutchinson as the face of their defense. His deal will likely reset the edge rusher market, and Detroit seems ready to pay the price.