Lions' Aidan Hutchinson offers update on contract talks amid injury return

Detroit Lions pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson has been eligible for a contract extension throughout the offseason while recovering from injuries to his tibia and fibula, which he suffered in Week 6 of the 2024 campaign. 

Following Detroit's joint practice with the Houston Texans on Thursday, Hutchinson spoke with reporters about his mindset regarding his future.

"I've kind of been pretty hands-off with the process," Hutchinson said about contract negotiations between his camp and the Lions, per Christian Romo of the Detroit Free Press. "I think the business side can take away from your love of the game a little bit. And that's kind of the reality of the NFL. I have a lot of people in my close circle that do deal with that, so my main focus is out here playing football, playing this game I love."

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Hutchinson was leading the NFL in sacks (7.5), pressures and win rate before last October's setback. The Lions picked up his fifth-year option for 2026 earlier this offseason. As of Friday, though, there was no indication the 25-year-old was close to putting pen to paper on a multiyear extension. 

Meanwhile, the market for Hutchinson's position has been reset on multiple occasions since his last game. Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby accepted a three-year, $106.5M extension shortly before Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns signed a four-year, $160M deal that included $123.5M guaranteed. Ahead of training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers handed T.J. Watt a three-year, $123M extension that included $108M guaranteed. 

Additionally, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys will likely become the next highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history if he inks an extension before the upcoming season begins. That said, Hutchinson doesn't seem to be losing sleep over whether or not he will sign a deal before the Lions' Week 1 game at the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 7. 

"I'm not really sure," Hutchinson said about possibly receiving an offer he'd accept before the Green Bay matchup. "You can ask those guys up there [in the team's front office]."

History shows that a club can save quite a bit of money by locking a key player down as early as possible. However, the Lions may want to see how Hutchinson fares coming off his injury before they pay him beyond the terms of his existing agreement.