Aidan Hutchinson could receive a new contract from the Detroit Lions. What is the current status?

The Cincinnati Bengals have demonstrated how not to proceed. Throughout the NFL offseason, Trey Hendrickson’s pending contract extension has been a dominant topic. The fact that the defensive end went on strike until the recent agreement could well affect the team’s season.

The Dallas Cowboys also have their own contract dispute with Micah Parsons, which, unlike the Bengals and Hendrickson, is not even over yet. With one week to go before the start of the season, it is unclear what will happen with the linebacker.

The Detroit Lions are not in any rush with Aidan Hutchinson, but it is clear that the 25-year-old, selected second overall in the 2022 draft, has long been one of the pillars of the team. After three years in the NFL, he is eligible for a new contract. At least in theory.

Hutchinson and the Lions: What’s next?

In practice, something is actually happening right now. General Manager Brad Holmes confirmed on Thursday that talks with Hutchinson’s representatives have begun.

“We’ve opened the dialogue and we’ll see where it leads,” Holmes said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “But in terms of importance, nothing has changed. Aidan is very important.” It would also be important to clarify the situation quickly, because the past has shown often enough that such situations can easily take on a dangerous momentum of their own.

The numbers show that a payday would be deserved, as Hutchinson has racked up 9.5, 11.5, and 7.5 sacks in three seasons so far. Amon-Ra St. Brown’s teammate only played five games in 2024 due to a broken tibia.

Other figures show Hutchinson that now is not a bad time for a new contract. Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt set a new record for pass rushers in the summer with his new contract, which earns him $41 million per year.

Hutchinson is still refraining from making any bold statements. At the beginning of August, he simply stated that he is deliberately “staying out” of the negotiations.