The Detroit Lions lost a major piece of their defensive front last season when Aidan Hutchinson went down with a season-ending injury. Despite the setback, Hutchinson is now healthy and feeling confident as he finishes up rehab.
"I'm there. I'd say I'm good," Hutchinson told Marty Smith. "I've got my last evaluation tests when I get back, I leave today and I go back tomorrow to the rehab. I'm gonna finish those evals and once I knock them out of the park, I'll be on my way and done with rehab. It was a long process, I'll tell you that."
The Lions may also look to lock up Hutchinson long-term, with a potential contract extension on the table before the season kicks off — a move that would solidify their defensive core for years to come.
But Detroit might not stop there. They could make another major addition to the defensive line by targeting a star to play opposite Hutchinson. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin believes the Lions should aggressively pursue Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt.
“Aidan Hutchinson might be one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL. But Detroit has been sniffing around upgrades opposite Hutchinson for a while, taking a flyer on Za'Darius Smith last year and reportedly attempting a draft-day trade up for edge rushing help. Better yet, they're flush with 2025 salary cap space, possessing north of $40 million that could help accommodate Watt's immediate financial desires and further confirm them as one of the most talented rosters in all of football,” Benjamin wrote.
Watt, who has 108 career sacks heading into this season, would form a nightmare duo with Hutchinson — one that opposing offenses would struggle to handle. The pairing would instantly elevate Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes even further.
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The buzz around Watt comes amid frustration over his contract situation in Pittsburgh.
“Everybody just has assumed that, rightfully, the two sides will figure it out," ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. "But I don’t think they’re very close right now, and I don’t think he’s particularly pleased.”
If the Lions step in, they may have the perfect mix of cap space, roster fit, and ambition to land the All-Pro pass rusher.