Lions' Aidan Hutchinson receives full medical clearance

“I didn’t really have any setbacks,” Hutchinson said when reflecting on his recovery (via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard). “It was just a gradual climb. I always knew I was gonna be back.”

This update comes as little surprise, as last month the 24-year-old said he had completed his rehab. Now that his final evaluations have checked out, Hutchinson will be able to take part in OTAs in advance of mandatory minicamp next month and training camp this summer. The news of a full recovery is of course also relevant as it pertains to a potential long-term extension.

2025 marks the first offseason in which Hutchinson is eligible for a second contract. The former No. 2 pick is on the books for the next two years based on the Lions’ easy decision to pick up his fifth-year option, something which has him on track to collect $18.72M in 2026. A multi-year deal will cost much more than that on an annual basis given where the pass rush market stands and Hutchinson’s early success. Surpassing Myles Garrett in yearly compensation ($40MM) may be necessary, and Lions general manager Brad Holmes is aware a monster pact is in store in this situation.

After finishing as the runner-up in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, Hutchinson posted 11.5 sacks and a league-leading 62 QB pressures in 2023. Another high-end season was taking shape in 2024, with the Michigan product notching 7.5 sacks through five games. A broken leg ended his season, though, and with the Lions being upset in the divisional round of the playoffs the possibility of a Super Bowl return became a moot point.

Hutchinson will be reprise his role as a foundational member of the Lions’ defense in general and pass rush group in particular in 2025. Detroit will aim for better health on that side of the ball this season, and barring any new developments on that front Hutchinson will be at full strength well in advance of the campaign.