Tag: Aidan Hutchinson

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) waves at fans after 24-9 win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.

Reports: Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson lands $180M extension

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions are signing star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a four-year, $180 million contract extension, his agent confirmed to multiple media outlets on Wednesday.

The Lions had not confirmed the reports by late morning, but did post a meme of Hutchinson dancing on the team’s official X account.

The reported $141 million guaranteed is the highest ever among non-quarterbacks and the $45 million average salary trails only the Green Bay Packers’ Micah Parsons ($46.5 million) among non-QBs.

Hutchinson has recorded six sacks, a league-leading four forced fumbles and 13 quarterback hits through seven starts this season with the Lions (5-2).

The 25-year-old defensive end has 34.5 sacks, 78 QB hits, 138 tackles, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, four interceptions and 11 passes defensed in 46 career games (all starts). He made the Pro Bowl in 2023 but missed the last 12 games in 2024 after fracturing his leg in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, already had been signed for $20.86 million for next season on the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) is injured while trying to tackle Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (not pictured) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson chasing goal of Super Bowl return

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson plans to be on the field with his teammates and recovered from surgery to repair a fractured tibia and fibula if Detroit can reach the Super Bowl in February.

Hutchinson made the self-assessment on “The Squeeze” podcast, detailing his push to ready his body to return to game action with the Super Bowl seven weeks away — Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

Hutchinson sustained the injury to his left leg in the third quarter of a 47-9 victory against the host Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13.

“I’m at that mark and I’m on track for my goal of returning for the Super Bowl,” Hutchinson said on the podcast. “I keep telling all the boys when I see them in the facility, I’m like, ‘You guys just got to get there and I promise you I’m going to be back.’”

Not long after Hutchinson’s injury, head coach Dan Campbell said he would “never count Hutch out” in response to a question about the third-year player’s ability to play in the postseason.

“Just knowing Hutch — he’s got one of those rare … once he believes in it, he can will himself to find a way to get back,” Campbell said in October. “He’s one of those guys — the mind can heal the body, and he’ll find the next-best thing and do whatever it takes to get back.

“So, who knows? But yeah, I think (Hutchinson’s mindset is) huge. You know it’s just sitting right out there, ‘I can do this, I can get back. We’ll be in a position to where I’ll be able to come back and help.’ And I do, I think it’s huge.”

Two months ago, Campbell and Detroit couldn’t have imagined how badly they’d need a healthy pass rusher.

Hutchinson is one of 16 defensive players on injured reserve for the Lions (12-2), counting three hurt in Detroit’s 48-42 loss to the Bills last week. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill (torn ACL) was injured against Buffalo and was the player who collided with Hutchinson when he was injured at Dallas.

Hutchinson had a league-leading 7.5 sacks at the time of his injury. Hutchinson is still Detroit’s leader in sacks with McNeill second (3.5).

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson recovering from leg surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured tibia and fibula, the team announced Monday.

The NFL sacks leader sustained the injury to his right leg in the third quarter of Sunday’s 47-9 victory against the host Dallas Cowboys.

Hutchinson, 24, had surgery Sunday night at the Baylor White Medical Center in Irving, Texas. He will return to Detroit this week and is expected to make a full recovery, the team said.

“There is no timeline for his return to play at this time,” concluded the Lions’ statement.

Hutchinson, one of the league’s premier defensive players, was injured while sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott early in the second half. Players from both teams huddled around Hutchinson as medical personnel tended to him and placed him on the cart.

After returning from a series of commercial breaks, the Fox Sports broadcast did not replay the injury.

Hutchinson, the second pick of the 2022 draft, leads the NFL with 7.5 sacks through five starts this season.

The 2023 Pro Bowl selection has registered 28.5 sacks, 65 quarterback hits, 122 tackles, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and four interceptions in 39 career starts.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson suffers serious leg injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was carted off during the third quarter of the Lions’ game against the host Dallas Cowboys on Sunday with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.

Hutchinson, one of the league’s premier defensive players, was injured while sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the Lions’ first defensive drive of the half.

Players from both teams huddled around Hutchinson as medical personnel tended to him and placed him on the cart. He was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game.

After coming back from commercial, the Fox broadcast would not replay the injury.

The Lions held a 34-6 lead at the time of the injury. Hutchinson, the second pick of the 2022 draft, had 6.5 sacks entering the contest. He recorded 11.5 sacks for Detroit last season and entered the day with 27.5 for his career.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrates a sack against Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson (thigh) misses practice

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Detroit Lions rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson missed practice with a thigh injury Wednesday coming off his breakout, three-sack performance in last week’s win over the Washington Commanders.

Hutchinson suffered a charley horse late in last week’s game. He left the game briefly before returning.

The Lions are also without fellow DE John Cominsky, who underwent thumb surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss multiple games.

Cominsky and Hutchinson have accounted for four of the team’s six sacks and have combined for seven quarterback pressures.

Also missing practice were running back D’Andre Swift (ankle) and guard Jonah Jackson (finger). Center Frank Ragnow, who missed last week’s game with a foot injury, was a limited participant.

The Lions (1-1) visit NFC North rival Minnesota (1-1) this Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions first-round drat pick Aidan Hutchinson talks with reporters on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Allen Park practice facility. Lionspicks

Lions sign No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson to $35.7M deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions signed No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson to his slotted rookie contract, a four-year deal worth a guaranteed $35.7 million, his agent said Monday.

It includes a signing bonus of $23.2 million. The Lions have a fifth-year option, standard for agreements with NFL first-round picks.

Hutchinson is signed in time for the Lions’ rookie minicamp this weekend.

The Lions also reportedly agreed to terms on a four-year deal with seventh-round pick Chase Lucas. The cornerback signed a contract worth $3.76 million.

The Lions drafted defensive players with six of their picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is a Heisman trophy candidate. Syndication Detroit Free Press

Potential No. 1 pick Aidan Hutchinson declares for NFL draft

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Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson made a foregone conclusion official on Wednesday, announcing he’s entering the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hutchinson had a huge season for the Wolverines in 2021, tallying 62 tackles (16.5 for loss), 14 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 12 quarterback hits. He was a consensus All-American, the Big Ten’s defensive player of the year, and winner of the Lombardi Award, Ted Hendricks Award and Lott Impact Trophy.

He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

“My Michigan legacy is complete, and it was truly the best time of my life,” Hutchinson, a product of Plymouth, Mich., posted on Twitter. “Onward and upward to the 2022 NFL Draft. Thank you for everything, Wolverine nation and beyond.”

Hutchinson was a starter from the day he walked onto campus in Ann Arbor. In all, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Hutchinson played 43 games for the Wolverines, recording 160 tackles, 18.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Pro Football Focus ranks Hutchinson as its No. 1 overall draft prospect, and some of the latest mock drafts project him as the No. 1 or 2 pick.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) gestures prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young favored to claim Alabama’s first Heisman at QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

An Alabama quarterback has never won the coveted Heisman Trophy.

Bryce Young has become very aware of that fact in recent days and the sophomore is the favorite to become the first when the Heisman is handed out on Saturday in New York.

The other finalists are Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Young had a fabulous season and guided Alabama to the No. 1 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff. The first-year starter has a solid chance at ending the drought when the winner is announced.

“It’s something I don’t take for granted,” Young said earlier this week. “To even get an opportunity to go after an accomplishment like this, I’m truly grateful to be in the position that I am.”

The Crimson Tide have had some recent quarterback close calls with AJ McCarron (2013) and Tua Tagovailoa (2018) finishing second, and Mac Jones (2020) finishing third. Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith won the award last season.

Young has thrown for 4,322 yards and 40 touchdowns against just four interceptions. His last showing certainly resonated with voters as he threw for 421 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-24 win over then-No. 1 Georgia in the SEC title game.

The candidacy of Hutchinson has flourished late in the season due to three-sack efforts against Penn State and Ohio State and leading the 42-3 steamrolling of Iowa in the Big Ten title game.

Hutchinson fractured an ankle 13 months ago or he otherwise might have been off to the NFL. Instead, he returned and has etched his name into Michigan lore with a school-record 14 sacks and overall tenacious play.

The biggest hurdle for Hutchinson is that only one primarily defensive player has won the award. Of course, Michigan claims that player in 1997 winner Charles Woodson.

The last defensive player to finish in the Top 3 was Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o (second in 2012). Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh only finished fourth despite a monster season in 2009. Also of note is that Pitt defensive end Hugh Green finished second in 1980 after terrorizing opponents.

But Michigan’s appearance in the CFP for the first time also might earn Hutchinson more votes.

“There’s no question that we’re not in the position that we’re in today without Aidan Hutchison,” Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh said.

Pickett also made a strong late-season push and has surpassed some big records along the way while helping the Panthers win the ACC title.

He set school career marks of 12,303 yards and 81 touchdowns — the latter stood for 39 years after being set by legendary Dan Marino. His 42 passing touchdowns this season broke the ACC mark of 41 set by Clemson’s Deshaun Watson in 2016.

Pickett considered leaving for the NFL after last season but wasn’t thrilled with draft projections. Now he is looked at as a high pick in the first round.

Pickett, who passed for 4,319 yards and seven interceptions, also is looking to join running back Tony Dorsett (1976) as the school’s lone Heisman winner.

“It is an incredible honor to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist,” Pickett said. “I’m so proud to represent our university this weekend in New York City. This honor is about our entire program and all of my teammates and coaches. Just like our ACC Championship, we did this together.”

Stroud also is a first-year starter and passed for 3,862 yards, 38 touchdowns and five interceptions for an Ohio State squad that led the nation in scoring (45.5 points per game) and total offense (551.4 yards per game).

He topped 400 passing yards on four occasions and was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

“It’s really cool. It’s a blessing,” Stroud told reporters Wednesday of being a finalist. “I never knew it would be this, honestly. I’m just truly blessed and blessed to be around these great people. “I love my teammates to death. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

Among the players who didn’t receive an invitation were Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral (20 passing touchdowns, 11 rushing), Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III (second nationally with 1,636 rushing yards) and Alabama linebacker Will Anderson (nation-leading 15.5 sacks).

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Heisman finalists: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Kenny Pickett, Aidan Hutchinson

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett and Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson were named finalists for the Heisman Trophy on Monday and will attend the presentation ceremony Saturday in New York.

Young led the perennial power Crimson Tide to the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff with their win over Georgia in the SEC championship game Saturday. Young amassed 461 total yards in the game (421 passing) to set an SEC title game record.

Young ranks fourth in Division I in passing yards (4,322) and second in passing touchdowns (43) while throwing only four interceptions.

Stroud led the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Rose Bowl. The redshirt freshman has totaled 3,862 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games.

Pickett burst onto the national scene in his senior season, throwing multiple touchdown passes in every game and leading Pitt to its first ACC championship. He ranks fifth in the nation in passing yards (4,319) and third in passing touchdowns (42), nearly identical numbers to Young.

Hutchinson set a program record with 14 sacks and helped the Wolverines win their first Big Ten title since 2004, locking up their first CFP appearance as well. Hutchinson won the Big Ten Championship Game MVP award Saturday when he recorded four tackles, one sack and seven quarterback pressures in a 42-3 beatdown of Iowa.

Hutchinson will vie to become the second defensive player to win the Heisman, following in the path of another Michigan star, cornerback Charles Woodson, in 1997.

Missing from the list of finalists was Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III, who was thought to be a Heisman front-runner earlier in the season when he helped the Spartans to an 8-0 start and scored five touchdowns in a win over Michigan. Walker ranks second in the nation with 1,636 rushing yards.

–Field Level Media