While Aidan Hutchinson already plays a key role in the Lions’ defense, he is eager to contribute in a new way.
In his third NFL season, Hutchinson has elevated his game with 6.5 sacks through four games. He’s a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, and his performance shows no signs of slowing down.
Beyond his sack numbers, Hutchinson has showcased his athleticism. During his rookie year, he had three interceptions, including a standout play that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 11 against the New York Giants.
Last season, Hutchinson tallied his fourth career interception along with seven pass breakups.
Hutchinson plays almost every defensive snap for the Lions, ranking among the highest in snaps for defensive linemen. Head coach Dan Campbell often emphasizes the importance of versatility, applying that philosophy even to players like Hutchinson.
Aidan Hutchinson is eager to play on offense.
After the Lions’ Week 4 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Hutchinson spoke with Claudette Montana of Sports Illustrated. Following a discussion about the team’s start and Jared Goff’s performance, Montana asked if he had any interest in playing offense.
Hutchinson revealed that this idea isn’t new, as he has already expressed his desire to Lions coaches.
“I’ve tried before. Last year, I almost got a chance, but it didn’t happen. I’ll have to talk to our offensive coordinator again this year. Maybe if we’re up by a lot, I can get in there and catch a pass,” Hutchinson said.
You can find Hutchinson’s full conversation with Montana below.
Hutchinson clearly wants a shot at playing offense and has the hands to do it. The only concern would be that defenses might anticipate something unusual. Nevertheless, he remains determined to bring up the idea with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and it could still happen if the opportunity arises.
