The Detroit Lions have locked up star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the long haul.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Hutchinson and the Lions have agreed to a four-year “mega-extension,” Hutchinson’s agent has revealed.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal is for four years and has a max total of $180 million, with a whopping $141 million guaranteed.
That total value and annual average of the contract fall short of Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons’ $186 million extension ($46.5 million to $45 million), but Hutchinson does surpass Parsons’ $136 million guaranteed.
The Lions and Hutchinson have been having talks about a contract extension all year long as he plays out the fourth year of his rookie deal. Hutchinson has one more year left on his rookie contract in 2026 thanks to the fifth-year option.
Hutchinson has emerged as one of the better edge rushers in the NFL over his three-plus seasons in the league. After tallying 11.5 sacks in 2023, Hutchinson was on pace for a career year in 2024 after posting 7.5 in five games.
However, Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula in Week 6 that ended his year early. But the former No. 2 overall pick has come roaring back and looks to be himself after six sacks and a league-high 48 pressures in seven games.
Now, the Lions should turn their focus to adding more edge rusher help at the trade deadline, as they could use an upgrade opposite Hutchinson.
But don’t expect anything huge. The Lions can’t afford to make any long-term financial commitments, especially after signing Hutch to a massive extension.
Currently, the Lions are projected to have just $2.5 million in cap space in 2026 and $71.8 million in 2027, although that number will go down with that being the first year of Hutchinson’s new deal.
