Lions and Aidan Hutchinson Make Historic $180 Million Announcement
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is one of the highest-ranked edge rushers in the NFL, coming in at No. 7 on ESPN’s preseason tally. He’s the heart of the Detroit Lions’ defense and a proven leader.
It was never a matter of “if” but only “when” the Lions would sign Hutchinson to an extension to keep the Michigan product at the helm of their defense. Now, according to the player’s agency, Hutchinson and the Lions have agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract extension.
So, let’s go inside this new deal. This isn’t just any contract extension. It’s a special extension that puts Hutchinson in an elite spot in the NFL.
Inside Aidan Hutchinson and the Detroit Lions’ Story
The NFL Network reports that his new deal includes $180 million with $141 million guaranteed. That figure is historic, because the $141 million guaranteed marks the most ever for a non-quarterback. Also, Hutchinson’s $45 million per-year average puts him behind only Micah Parson’s new deal with the Green Bay Packers, which is $46.5 million per year.
The Detroit Lions picked up Hutchinson’s fifth-year option on his rookie deal, so the new four years will start after 2026. As the news broke, the Lions took to their X account to share a GIF of Hutchinson’s Michael Jackson-inspired rookie song and moves from HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
Hutchinson has been one of the reasons the team’s defense has been able to thrive the past few years. The team drafted him No. 2 overall out of the University of Michigan back in 2022. Hutchinson leads the NFL with 48 pressures and posted a sack in five of the last six games, as well as a forced or recovered fumble in five consecutive games.
During the Detroit Lions’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 12, the Lions took to social media to announce that Hutch had “set a single-season franchise record by producing 1.0 sack in five-straight games.” It’s figures like those that make it obvious that it was necessary to get Hutch back after his season-ending injury last year.
Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions and Hanes
Hutchinson stars in a funny and cozy ad campaign from Hanes, called “Never Uncomfortable,” which plays on those moments of embarrassment that everyone has experienced. In the “Never Uncomfortable” campaign, which has ad spots on Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football, Hutchinson is seen sharing uncomfortable situations but staying confident in his Hanes clothing.
Speaking exclusively with Anne Erickson of Heavy Sports, Hutchinson said that he really enjoyed doing the campaign. “For me, it was really exciting to partner with such a great brand that I’ve seen ads for my whole life, and to now be a part of their latest campaign was so fun,” he said.
Also speaking with Heavy Sports, Hutchinson raved about the Lions’ spirit this season. “This team is as strong as ever,” he said. “We’ve really stayed focused on the task at hand and been able to push through for some really great plays and wins. I’m excited to see where the rest of the season takes us. Everyone is feeling good but we know each week is a new week, and we’re getting ready for our next game.”
So, whether he’s in his Hanes or not, Hutchinson will be in the Motor City for years to come.
The Raiders' Handling of Jakobi Meyers Has Caused a Stir
The Las Vegas Raiders must figure out what, if anything, to do with their top wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers.
Raiders Fumble Meyers Situation
Meyers requested a trade shortly before the season, but the Raiders turned him down. He restated the same desire heading into the Bye Week. Now, the Raiders have less than a week to decide. Raiders legend Lincoln Kennedy is not fond of how the Raiders have handled the whole thing.
“The situation with Jakobi is mishandled in many ways, because if they could have found a way to make it work, here is a receiver who’s already established himself as a receiver and can grow into this offense and be more productive if allowed,” Kennedy said on the Locked On Raiders podcast.
“We’ve seen flashes of it. We haven’t seen consistency, but we saw flashes of it… If we’re going to part ways with him, we’re really starting over again, and this goes back to my original point that I’ve been saying all year. You can’t keep starting over. You can’t keep starting over with new coaches and new players and expect to get anywhere because it just doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t walk onto the field and be like, ‘Oh, there’s my new number one.
“Because this offense hasn’t been consistent throughout the season, we’re still left holding whatever we’re holding in our hands, hoping that we can grip on and maybe get a win or get a collective offense. I don’t know how it happens overnight. That’s why I said this whole Jakobi Meyers thing has just been handled, really handled not well, in my opinion.”
The Raiders must make a decision soon on Meyers' future with the team as the trade deadline is fast approaching. Whether they keep Meyers or not, the addition of veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett should help compensate for the loss of Meyers.
If the Raiders keep Meyers past the deadline, they will then have him, Lockett, and a healthier Brock Bowers in the mix moving forward. Still, Carroll noted it is too soon to make any assumptions.
"I'm going to need more days, as far as immediately, how much he can help. But he's a tremendous football player. He's got great background, great savvy play-making ability, a real natural sense about understanding how to play the game,” Carroll said.
“He and Brock [Bowers] and Jakobi [Meyers] share a lot of characteristics in how they play the game and how they make things happen and make it look effortless at times. And so, [Tyler] Lockett has been a great performer historically, and I'm thrilled to have him part of the program. I want to see how fast we can move the thing along, see if he can contribute."
