In January, the Detroit Lions, led by coach Dan Campbell, came just one half from reaching their first-ever Super Bowl. And won back-to-back NFC North titles for the first time since the division’s restructuring in 2002. The expectations have soared due to their offense finishing in the top five and their defense ranking fifth against the run. But 2025 will be about maintaining that edge for a squad that is built on pressure, grit, and dominance in the line of scrimmage, and that edge begins with health.

That’s why all eyes were on defensive cornerstone Aidan Hutchinson. The 24-year-old edge rusher for the Lions was having a fantastic 2024 season, ranking in the top five in quarterback pressures league-wide and recording 7.5 sacks. But his season ended due to a season-ending injury. Before the injury halted him, Hutchinson was on a Defensive Player of the Year pace. And now a recent update from the head coach, Dan Campbell, has the Detroit fans buzzing with optimism.

During a media session on Friday, the Lions’ head coach addressed the health of his star edge rusher and the state of Detroit’s pass rush. “Hutch looks good. I mean, he’s moving well, you don’t see him favoring anything,” Campbell told reporters. “He’s bending, grabbing the grass, he looks confident. And that’s without pads.” It wasn’t just coach-speak. It was controlled excitement from a coach who knows exactly how critical Hutchinson is to this defense. He reassured, “There’s nothing to tell me the guy is not recovered or gonna be recovered.”

Hutchinson is coming off a season-ending broken fibula and tibia suffered in Week 6 against Dallas. At the time, he led the NFL in sacks and was terrorizing quarterbacks like a man possessed. Then, Hutchinson collided with teammate Alim McNeill. Trainers rushed in, an air cast wrapped around his leg, and just like that, the Lions’ defensive engine was done for the year. It wasn’t just an injury—it was a gut punch to Dan Campbell’s system.

But the former No. 2 overall pick is focused on getting back to his full level of strength. He embodies resilience and determination that led Detroit to invest $35 million in him. He recently stated, “I think a lot of people believe that is kind of my ceiling, but I still believe that I’m going to continue to push for those greater heights.” The message? Hutchinson is close. And Detroit is watching closely.

Hutchinson’s comeback is poised to make him the NFL’s highest-paid edge rusher

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on The Pat McAfee Show, Hutchinson is expected to become “one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL” with a contract that could exceed $30 million annually. The Lions, who didn’t add another major pass rusher this offseason, are clearly all-in on Hutch. With Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes leading the charge, Detroit knows it’s time to invest in its defensive cornerstone. Hutchinson echoed the excitement. “I’m back to being myself again,” he said. “I think this is the most excited I’ve ever been for OTAs. I’m pumped.” The tone was clear, he’s ready, and so is Detroit.

But the injury did more than test his body, it gave Hutchinson perspective. On The Squeeze podcast, he reflected on the role reversal. “I’ve visited hospitals all my life. I’d never stayed in one. That humbled me,” he said. Christmas Day saw him return to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital with his family, giving back like always. But this time, feeling what it means to receive. Kids, he once encouraged, became his motivation. Video messages, support, and resilience from young patients reminded Hutchinson what truly matters. That emotional fuel is now packed into his comeback.

For Dan Campbell, toughness isn’t just about blitzes and hits. It’s about what happens when the lights dim. Hutchinson embodies the culture he’s building: blue-collar grit with superstar upside. The leg is healed. The mind is sharper. And the Lions’ $35M weapon is locked, loaded, and looking to make 2025 personal.