Hutchinson becomes one of the richest non-QB in NFL history
After weeks of negotiations, the Lions have locked in their defensive cornerstone with a record-setting payday.
According to NFL Network and Sky Sports, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has agreed to a four-year, $180 million extension with the Detroit Lions. The deal includes $141 million in guaranteed money, the largest amount ever awarded to a non-quarterback in league history.
Hutchinson’s new contract places him among the game’s elite earners. His $45 million annual average trails only Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers, putting him ahead of Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett.
Star on the rise
The 25-year-old edge rusher, drafted second overall out of Michigan in 2022, has quickly become one of the NFL’s most feared defenders.
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Despite suffering a fractured tibia and fibula that sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, Hutchinson still managed 7.5 sacks in just five games.
Now fully recovered, he has returned to dominant form in 2025, registering six sacks, 39 quarterback pressures and four forced fumbles through seven games.
His consistency has helped lead Detroit to a 5–2 record and early status as an NFC playoff contender.
Building a contender
Hutchinson’s extension marks another major move by Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who has aggressively invested in a young core built for long-term success.
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The team previously signed quarterback Jared Goff to a four-year, $212 million deal and secured wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, along with tackle Penei Sewell, on lucrative extensions.
Together, those contracts signal Detroit’s determination to remain among the league’s top contenders as they chase their first Super Bowl appearance.
Elite earners list
With the new contract, Sky Sports places him 2nd on the top five highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL (average annual salary):
- Micah Parsons, EDGE, Green Bay Packers — $46.5m
- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Detroit Lions — $45m
- T.J. Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers — $45m
- Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals — $40.25m
- Myles Garrett, EDGE, Cleveland Browns — $40m
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