Aidan Hutchinson’s importance to the Detroit Lions was clear even through adversity. Despite suffering a broken leg during Week 6 of the 2024 season, the standout defensive end still managed to finish as the team’s top sack producer.
On Thursday, the Lions got a major boost when Hutchinson shared that he’s now fully recovered and ready to participate without restriction through the rest of the offseason and into the 2025 campaign.
This update couldn’t come at a better time for Detroit, which is focused on making a serious Super Bowl run after a tough postseason loss to Washington in the divisional round.
But Hutchinson’s clean bill of health might mean more than just defensive stability for the Lions. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, this progress could position him for a huge new deal.
Hutchinson is expected to be part of a high-profile group of defensive ends — including names like Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt — all likely to pursue record-setting contracts.
Currently, the top average annual value for a defensive end belongs to Myles Garrett, who earns $40 million per season on a four-year deal with Cleveland. Hutchinson, however, is younger and could command a five-year commitment.
If he secures that $40 million average over five seasons, the total could reach around $202 million — possibly more if Watt or Parsons raise the bar first, forcing the Lions to respond with an even bigger offer.
A hometown favorite and former Michigan Wolverine, Hutchinson is cherished by the Detroit fanbase, many of whom would probably pitch in to keep him wearing Honolulu blue.
Now fully recovered, Hutchinson will soon get the opportunity to remind the league why he’s worth every penny.
