Aidan Hutchinson’s future with the Detroit Lions is in the spotlight this offseason. Besides keeping an eye on his recovery from a severe leg injury, the Detroit Lions are also considering his future.
Several sources suggest that the Lions may soon turn their attention to extending Hutchinson’s contract, a move they have made with other young players.
Why the Detroit Lions Should Extend Aidan Hutchinson Now
After Detroit activated his fifth-year option, Hutchinson is now bound until the 2026 campaign. Given the current state of the market, particularly with Micah Parsons of Dallas expected to sign a big contract shortly, Detroit may be better off locking up Hutchinson early.
“I bet they’ll try, and that’s because I think he’s going to continue to look really good, and that’s a smart organization that knows how to get ahead of these things,” Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer wrote when asked whether the Lions will extend Hutchinson before the 2025 season.
Before 2024 free agency, the Lions signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to long-term contracts.
“Last year, they were aggressive in getting 2021 rookies Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown extended as they were eligible for new deals, and the team saved money, and made the players happy, in doing it that way.”
The approach by the Lions front office kept two locker room leaders pleased and saved the team money. Hutchinson’s extension would continue that pattern, demonstrating the Lions’ commitment to rewarding their core players and developing from within.
“I’d imagine the approach will be similar with Hutchinson,” Breer wrote. “Where the team lands will be interesting — it may behoove the Lions’ star to wait and see what Micah Parsons gets in Dallas before doing his own deal in Detroit. Either way, my guess is a new deal will get done.”
📬 @AlbertBreer’s mailbag:
✉️ Worst-to-first candidates
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✉️ More https://t.co/p2hS9Q5fUy— The MMQB (@theMMQB) June 25, 2025
It was a gut punch when Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula against the Cowboys in Week 6 of the 2024 season. The Lions were doing well at the time, and there was a chance he would have made a comeback for a postseason run.
That comeback didn’t happen, but the former Michigan standout is on track to be fully ready for 2025. And his return means more than just filling a spot on the depth chart. It means getting back a relentless, high-motor pass rusher who gives offensive coordinators nightmares.
Hutchinson’s Return and Future Deal Could Define the Lions’ Championship Window
Hutchinson played a key role in Detroit’s defense’s significant improvement the previous season. He was setting the tone up front, forcing rushed throws, and attracting double teams before his injury. Considering that top edge rushers in the NFL today make between $30 and $40 million annually, it could be wise to wager on Hutchinson now rather than later.
More significantly, it would demonstrate the team’s faith in him as a representative of the team and not simply as a player.
The Lions are aware that they are in a unique window, as the NFC is becoming increasingly competitive, and their roster is eager and ready to contend. Hutchinson’s recovery will play a significant role in that. Locking him down for the long term might be equally crucial.
Signing Hutchinson now, before the price increases, could be one of the Lions’ best decisions to date if they intend to fulfill their Super Bowl dreams.