Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes Gives Update On Aidan Hutchinson Extension Talks

It’s not every day a generational talent like Aidan Hutchinson walks through the door. For the Detroit Lions, the 2025 training camp has served as a clear reminder of why the team selected Hutchinson second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite coming off a significant injury, the pass-rushing phenom has been nothing short of spectacular in camp, earning glowing praise from general manager Brad Holmes while reigniting excitement about his future impact on Detroit’s defense.

Although contract talks between Hutchinson and the Lions have yet to escalate, Holmes’ comments make it clear just how highly the organization values their star defender. Here’s a breakdown of Holmes’ thoughts, Hutchinson’s incredible bounce-back from injury, and what his dominance means for a Lions team with lofty aspirations in 2025.

Detroit Lions Brad Holmes On Aidan Hutchinson: No Intense Contract Talks…Yet

Holmes’ Transparent Approach

Speaking on the Costa and Jansen with Heather Show on 97.1 The Ticket, Brad Holmes confirmed that the Lions and Hutchinson haven’t entered into “any intense talks yet” regarding a potential contract extension. However, don’t mistake the lack of urgency for a lack of commitment.

“We’ll definitely get some dialogue going soon,” Holmes said, acknowledging the complexity of negotiating blockbuster deals for players of Hutchinson’s caliber. “All those things take time, especially the larger the deal is.”

Translation? The Lions know Hutchinson, who still has time on his rookie deal, is worth every penny he eventually demands—but big-money contracts are chess, not checkers. Holmes appears ready to take his time and ensure that both sides are aligned when the heavy conversations begin.

Aiden Hutchinson’s Case for Long-Term Security

If Hutchinson’s 2025 camp performance is any indication, there’s little debate over whether he’s deserving of an extension. The edge rusher has looked every bit like a franchise-defining player, leaving Detroit’s offensive linemen grasping at air during practices and terrorizing backfields in scrimmage after scrimmage.

Brad Holmes echoed this sentiment, offering effusive praise for Hutchinson’s play while drawing parallels to the developmental strides Hutchinson made during his college years.

“As the player, he’s looked great,” Holmes said. “I’ve been saying I’m really not all that surprised… The change of direction, the explosiveness—he’s not having any [negative] effects.”

Simply put, there’s no hesitation from Holmes when it comes to Hutchinson’s capabilities. His recent dominance all but guarantees the Lions will do whatever it takes to secure him for the long haul.

Bouncing Back Stronger

Another Comeback, Same Results

It’s impossible to talk about Aidan Hutchinson in 2025 without addressing the elephant (or, rather, X-ray) in the room—his recovery from the broken leg he suffered last October that ended his 2024 campaign prematurely. For many players, such an injury might derail progress and leave lingering questions about durability. For Hutchinson, it’s been a minor bump on the road to greatness.

If anything, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Hutchinson. His senior season at Michigan in 2021 was preceded by yet another injury-shortened campaign the prior year. How did he respond? By racking up 14 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in a breakout college season that cemented his place as one of the top defensive prospects in years.

This bounce-back DNA is once again on full display in Lions camp. Reports from Allen Park suggest Hutchinson hasn’t lost a step—if anything, he looks faster, stronger, and mentally sharper than ever before. His ability to rapidly regain form didn’t go unnoticed by Holmes, who said, “I think nobody would argue, [he’s] a better player [after recovery].”

For the Detroit Lions, having a rejuvenated Hutchinson at full strength couldn’t come at a better time.

Final Thoughts

Brad Holmes’ comments about Aidan Hutchinson offered a glimpse into the team’s mindset—a patient yet confident approach to securing their franchise centerpiece for the long term. Hutchinson’s electrifying performance in training camp only strengthens his case for a contract extension, showcasing why he’s indispensable to Detroit’s defensive success.

For Lions fans, the future is brighter than it’s been in years. Hutchinson epitomizes the grit and talent that have re-energized the franchise under the Holmes-Campbell regime. If early indications are any clue, Hutchinson isn’t just ready to make a comeback. He’s ready to take over.