A year ago, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was preparing for his first game after suffering a broken leg that prematurely ended his 2024 season.
Hutchinson then delivered his best season yet, recording 14.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 35 quarterback hits, an interception, and four forced fumbles.
He earned his second Pro Bowl selection, was an AP second-team All-Pro, and finished No. 2 in AP comeback player of the year voting.
What’s in store for 2026?
“I think he’s in a really good spot right now,” head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday, via transcript from the team. “I think he’s always been, in my opinion, a complete defensive end, and he’s elevated that once again. I think last year, what he was able to do coming off the injury he had was impressive. I mean, it was impressive because that’s a significant injury. The good news is it was a bone, but that’s not like the fibula, the small bone on the ankle, all that — this is a significant injury. And for him to be able to come back as quick as he did and be able to have the impact he did was impressive.
“Well, he just got another year of a full offseason training, just man, the quickness, the weight, the explosion — he’s always continued to grow his craft. And so, I think he’s prepped to have another big year.”
The No. 2 overall pick of the 2022 draft, Hutchinson has registered 43.0 sacks, 44 tackles for loss, and 100 QB hits in his 56 career games.
The Lions will start the season at home against the Saints on Sunday afternoon.
