This offseason, one of the simplest choices for the Detroit Lions was to activate the fifth-year option for standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, ensuring he will earn $19.872 million in the 2026 season.
Selected second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hutchinson registered 21 sacks and 149 pressures in his initial two seasons. However, his 2024 campaign was cut short due to a fractured tibia and fibula, limiting him to just five games.
He has since returned to practice and is expected to be ready for Year 4, as the Lions aim for a Super Bowl run after achieving a remarkable 15-2 record in 2024, only to fall short in the playoffs.
As Detroit’s premier defensive player, Hutchinson will lead the squad in 2025, looking to regain his previous form while remaining a Pro Bowl caliber athlete.
As he enters his fourth year, discussions about a contract extension have naturally arisen for Hutchinson, who still has two years of team control with the fifth-year option now activated.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged the potential for an extension, mentioning that the team has already started planning for the continually escalating defensive end market.
While the Lions might consider waiting until next offseason to finalize Hutchinson’s contract due to his injury, the cost could rise significantly if he performs as he did prior to his injury in 2024, when he was arguably among the top five defenders in the league.
