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Eric WoodyardOct 29, 2025, 11:33 AM ET
- Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted," "Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.
The Detroit Lions are signing star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a four-year, $180 million contract extension that includes $141 million guaranteed, his agent Mike McCartney told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
Hutchinson's $45 million average salary trails only the Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons ($46.5 million) among non-quarterbacks in the NFL. And the guarantee is the highest among non-QBs, according to Roster Management System.
The No. 2 overall pick in 2022, Hutchinson had been signed through the 2026 season on his fifth-year rookie option.
Hutchinson is a cornerstone of the Lions' young defense, already establishing himself as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. He has six sacks this season, returning to the Lions after his 2024 season was cut short by a fractured tibia and fibula suffered in Week 6. He has amassed 29 quarterback pressures this season, second in the NFL behind only Parsons (33), and Hutchinson's four forced fumbles are tied with Joey Bosa for the NFL lead.
Hutchinson was a Pro Bowler in 2023 when he had a career-high 11.5 sacks.
The deal is the latest major extension for the Lions, who also have signed quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to deals topping nine figures since the 2024 offseason.
