The Detroit Lions are navigating a pivotal offseason as they search for a new offensive coordinator ahead of the 2026–27 NFL season, hoping to return to playoff contention. While changes are coming on offense, one area the Lions are not concerned about is the continued dominance of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

Hutchinson remains the cornerstone of Detroit’s defense, and the team recently highlighted just how impactful he was during the 2025–26 season.

Aidan Hutchinson Continues to Prove His Elite Status

The Lions selected Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, a move that instantly energized the fan base. A former University of Michigan star, Hutchinson quickly became both a hometown favorite and one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL.

Despite missing much of the 2024–25 season after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson returned fully healthy in 2025–26 and delivered one of the best seasons of his career.

“This team is as strong as ever,” Hutchinson told Heavy Sports in October 2025. “We’ve stayed focused and pushed through for some really great plays and wins. Every week is a new challenge, but we’re excited about where we’re headed.”

Lions Share Aidan Hutchinson’s Dominant 2025–26 Stats

On Wednesday, January 14, the Detroit Lions took to social media to showcase Hutchinson’s standout numbers from the season. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) and team research:

No. 1 in the NFL in pressures (100)

No. 3 in quarterback hits

No. 4 in sacks

54 total tackles

36 solo tackles

14.5 sacks

Fans quickly reacted to the post, praising Hutchinson’s performance after returning from a major injury.

“Mind you he’s coming off a snapped leg,” one fan wrote. “He’s just as good as we think he is.”
Another added, “Hutch was great — very impactful.”

Aidan Hutchinson Confident in Lions’ 2026–27 Outlook

Earlier this week on ESPN’s “Postseason NFL Countdown,” Hutchinson reflected on the Lions’ 9–8 finish and why the team narrowly missed the playoffs.

“In those critical games, we weren’t playing complementary football,” Hutchinson said. “It was offense, defense, special teams — little things were letting us down in close games.”

Hutchinson emphasized that health on defense, especially in the secondary, will be key moving forward.

“Defensively, it’s about getting healthy,” he said. “Getting our secondary back and having everyone available. I really think we’re going to have a complete defense.”

Aidan Hutchinson Remains Optimistic About Detroit’s Future

Despite falling short of the postseason, Hutchinson believes the Detroit Lions are positioned for a bounce-back year in 2026–27. With a healthy defense and the right offseason moves, Detroit’s star pass rusher expects a very different outcome next season.

For the Lions, one thing is clear: Aidan Hutchinson isn’t just back — he’s still elite.