NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions Edge Rusher Aidan Hutchinson Fully Cleared

The Detroit Lions' best defensive player is back in the fold. While addressing the media on Thursday, Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson revealed he has been fully cleared for football activities following the fractured fibula and tibia that cost him much of the 2024 regular season.

#Lions star Aidan Hutchinson tells reporters he's fully cleared, a significant announcement and one that could help him land a blockbuster contract. pic.twitter.com/4fKe0pgakl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 22, 2025

Hutchinson went down in the Lions' Week 6 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys, ending his season after only five starts. Amazingly, the 7.5 sacks he accrued over only 280 snaps were the most of any Lion over the entire 2024 season.

Hutchinson was sorely missed on the Lions' defense last year. They finished 20th in yards allowed with 342.4, and their 37 total sacks tied for 23rd. Their defensive struggles came to a head in their shocking Divisional Round playoff loss, a 45-31 drubbing at the hands of the Washington Commanders in which they allowed 481 yards and 27 first downs while failing to register a single takeaway.

If the Lions are going to avenge that early exit, they'll need Hutchinson to make good on his All-Pro potential. The second overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft is still only 24 years old, and he has logged a promising 28.5 career sacks over his 39 career appearances. His 94.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus was first among all edge rushers last year, and if he can maintain that level of play over 17 games, he will undoubtedly be in Defensive Player of the Year conversations.

Hutchinson should also have plenty of motivation to put his best season together. He's extension eligible this season for the first time in his career, and the cost of premium edge rushers is higher than ever. If he can dominate this year, he'll have a real chance to become the league's highest-paid defender. Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett currently holds that distinction thanks to a four-year, $160 million extension signed earlier this offseason.

The Lions are tantalizingly close to being a truly dominant team. Their 15-2 record, 33.2 points per game, and +222 point differential were all the best in the league last year. Still, that was all largely due to their dominant offense. If Hutchinson can stay on the field, the Lions' defense may be able to hold up its end of the bargain, and that could mean Super Bowl glory.