Will the Lions 2023 Pro Bowl Defensive End Get a Contract Extension?
The Detroit Lions have had an impressive couple of seasons, leading to success they haven’t seen in decades. Many would consider that the heart and soul of the team, still hasn’t been rewarded yet. Defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson, has made an impact since he was drafted in 2022 with the second overall pick. After a season ending injury took Hutchinson down last year suffering a broken leg, his season was cut short and he was forced to watch from the sidelines while his team made a run towards a Super Bowl trophy. Unfortunately for Hutchinson, this injury could affect his future with the Lions and a possible contract extension raising his pay.
The Lions have extended players after their third seasons in the past. Both wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell were given large contracts just last year. These two players were just as impactful as Hutchinson has been for Detroit and their recent success. As training camp grows closer, there hasn’t been any information regarding Hutchinson joining this group and getting his deal done. Now many Lions fans wonder, will Hutchinson need to prove himself again coming off the injury?
The former Pro Bowl selection seems like he may have to prove that his injury last year won’t change him as a player. This has happened to many NFL players in the past, where an injury has altered their career. Hutchinson would have seven sacks in his rookie season, and 11 sacks the following season. Before he went down in the sixth game of last season, Hutchinson already had nine sacks. He was on pace for his best season yet, proving himself as one of the best defensive players in the league. This all comes with the fact that Hutchinson is still only 24 years old. Interestingly enough, the Lions would not make any giant moves at the position this offseason, neither in the draft or free agency. While he may be in a prove it year once again, it seems that Detroit has no intentions to replace him or move on. His contract will be something to keep an eye as the Lions head towards training camp in July.
