Inside the Aidan Hutchinson deal

The Detroit Lions have rewarded defensive end Aidan Hutchinson with a four-year contract extension, extending his contract to five and a half years. This decision follows Hutchinson's recovery from a serious leg injury last season. The extension includes a $15 million signing bonus and a 2026 option bonus of $28.407 million, both fully guaranteed. Hutchinson's contract, which runs through 2030, features a new-money average of $45 million, with a total payout of $200.483 million. The agreement guarantees $134.483 million through 2029, with the Lions' first realistic exit option available after the 2028 season. Hutchinson's deal reflects both his value to the team and the Lions' confidence in his continued performance post-injury.