Ian Rapoport: Detroit Lions, Aidan Hutchinson discussing long-term deal

When talking about contract extension for top EDGE guys, Micah Parsons is the popular name at the moment. The Dallas Cowboys appear to be in no rush to get a deal with Parsons done. In the meantime, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport believes a new deal could be in the works for another big-time player.

Rapoport was discussing Parsons but dropped in a little nugget about Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions. He says Hutchinson is “discussing” a long-term deal with the Lions right now. There was even a slight hint at the contract getting done before Parsons receives his from Dallas.

“Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions is the other big-name, high-octane pass rusher currently discussing a potential long-term deal,” Rapoport said. “If that gets done before Parsons, then Parsons officially on the clock.”

Hutchinson was on his way to becoming one of the best pass rushers in football before an injury brought his progress to a screeching halt. A broken tibia and fibula against the Dallas Cowboys meant the former No. 2 overall pick only played in five games during the 2024 season. He still got an incredible 7.5 sacks — 4.5 of which came in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — bringing his career total to 28.5.

That does not even include what Hutchinson was able to do for the Lions during the 2023 playoff run. Two sacks against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round were recorded, only followed up by getting to Baker Mayfield in the NFC Divisional Round. Hutchinson has proven to be a game wrecker, no matter the situation.

As things stand, TJ Watt is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. He recently signed an extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of training camp. It’s a number Parsons is expecting to break in the near future.

“When this is all said and done, Micah Parsons likely is, almost certainly is, the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL,” Rapoport said. “As he should be.”

Rapoport did not provide much on what the contract would look like for Hutchinson. If there had been no injury, you would have to imagine he would be in contention to become one of the league’s best players. But the injury certainly will play a role.

Getting Hutchinson back on the field, with or without a fresh contract, is going to be a massive boost for the Lions. Especially with the Green Bay Packers being the Week 1 opponent.