Lions President Confirms Long-Term Plans for Aidan Hutchinson
The Detroit Lions have their eyes firmly set on the future of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, one of their most valuable players heading into the upcoming NFL season. Selected with the No. 2 overall pick, Hutchinson has quickly become a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense, and the team is now focused on ensuring he remains in Detroit for years to come.
While team president Rod Wood stopped short of confirming any specific developments regarding a contract extension, he made it clear the Lions intend to retain Hutchinson on a long-term basis.
Team Confident Deal Will Happen
In an interview with reporter Dave Birkett, Wood remained tight-lipped when pressed about contract talks, replying with a simple “no comment.” Still, he reassured fans that Hutchinson isn’t going anywhere.
“He’s going to be here for the long haul, I can promise you that,” Wood stated.
Although he didn’t offer a timeline, Wood pointed to the organization’s recent history of extending top talent like Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Alim McNeill, suggesting Hutchinson would soon follow.
“We’re planning to get to work on that,” he added. “We’ve shown we take care of our players, and Hutchinson’s extension is likely coming soon.”
Recovering From Injury, Hutchinson Ready for Return
Hutchinson’s 2024 season was unfortunately cut short due to a fractured leg he suffered in October. Despite playing just five games, he still led the team with 7.5 sacks, underlining his immense value on the field.
Head coach Dan Campbell had hinted that Hutchinson might have returned had the Lions made it to the Super Bowl. However, their season ended in a disappointing playoff loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
Now, Hutchinson is back on his feet and nearly finished with his rehabilitation. Speaking earlier this month during an appearance at the Masters, he said he’s ready to rejoin team activities.
“I’m back. I’d say I’m fully good to go,” Hutchinson said. “I’ve got my final evaluation tests soon. Once I get through those, I’ll be done with rehab. It’s been a long road.”
He admitted the early stages of recovery were tough but expressed gratitude for making it through.
“It felt like a long time, especially early on,” he said. “But I’ve gained a new appreciation for my health, for running without pain. I’m just grateful to be past it. The support’s been incredible too—people really responded to that sprinting video I posted, which surprised me. I got tons of messages, DMs. It was really cool.”
