ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is a key part of the franchise’s core as they pursue a Super Bowl title. On Wednesday, he was rewarded accordingly, signing a four-year, $180 million contract that includes $141 million in guarantees — the highest guaranteed amount ever for an NFL player who isn’t a quarterback. This deal keeps him under contract through the 2030 season.
“Super grateful and ready to focus everything on this season and really move on from it and put that behind me,” Hutchinson said Thursday, just three days before Detroit (5-2) hosts Minnesota (3-4) at Ford Field.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has prioritized extending contracts for key players in recent years, including quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, and safety Kerby Joseph.
“It’s huge,” Hutchinson said. “It shows Brad’s dedication to his draft class and the guys he brought in and the guys he believes are pillars of the team. All those guys that have gotten paid, and it’s exciting to have them around.”
Detroit selected Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, bringing the Michigan native to his hometown team. Over 46 career games, Hutchinson has amassed 34½ sacks, 78 quarterback hits, 36 tackles for loss, 11 pass defenses, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions.
He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023, recording 7½ sacks in just five games before suffering a leg injury that broke two bones. This season, Hutchinson has bounced back strongly with six sacks in seven games. He currently leads the league in pressures generated (48), quarterback hurries (33), and strip-sacks (three), while also tying for the most forced fumbles (four).
The Lions trail the Green Bay Packers by half a game in the NFC North and remain contenders for the conference’s best record.
“Everyone knows we have the pieces, we just have to go out there and do it,” Hutchinson said. “We have the talent, we have the coaches and the culture.”
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