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Former defensive end J.J. Watt believes that Aidan Hutchinson's new huge contract is truly well deserved. According to him, the Detroit Lions are making a big investment in the 2022 second overall pick. The reigning NFC North Champions are signing the former Michigan Wolverine to a four-year $180 million extension.
“Well deserved, a guy who plays extremely well... and also, is that perfect fit in Detroit,” Watt said on the Pat McAfee Show (Timestamp 0:25).
“Very rare, at least in my memory, to see such a big deal get done in the middle of the season like that, but very happy to see that he is locked in with the Detroit Lions for a long time because he’s perfect for them, they’re perfect for him,” Watt added (Timestamp 0:40).
All you need to know about Hutchinson's new contract
In his new deal, Hutchinson is getting $140 million guaranteed, the most in the history of the NFL for a non-quarterback. His annual salary will increase up to $45 million. That makes him the second-highest paid defensive end in the league in terms of yearly salary, with only Micah Parsons above him, according to the McAfee Show.
Hutchinson's stat in the current NFL season
Currently in his fourth NFL season, the Plymouth-born player has produced a combined 34.5 sacks, consisting of 6 this season after 7 games. Earlier this year, the Lions had picked up his fifth-year option. Already this season, he has 4 forced fumbles with 1 recovery.
Hutchinson has progressed really well in just over a year. He picked up a serious leg injury in October 2024 in a clash against the Dallas Cowboys and missed the rest of that season. He was leading the league in quarterback sacks at the time with 7.5.
ESPN analyst Kevin Clark called him the biggest x-factor the Lions have on their roster.
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