The Detroit Lions are making sure their foundation remains intact for the foreseeable future.
On Friday, the team announced it had officially exercised the fifth-year options for edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams, keeping both 2022 first-round picks under contract through the 2026 season.
The move comes as no surprise. Hutchinson and Williams have emerged as key pillars on each side of the ball, helping fuel Detroit’s rise from rebuild to contender under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
Selected second overall in 2022, Hutchinson made an immediate impact as a rookie, racking up 9.5 sacks and three interceptions on his way to finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Sauce Gardner. In Year 2 Hutchinson raised his game even further, posting a career-high 11.5 sacks and helping the Lions capture their first NFC North title in three decades.
Although Hutchinson’s 2024 season was cut short by a broken tibia that required surgery, his importance to the defense is undeniable. The Lions have built their pass rush around his relentless motor and versatility and securing his future was a no-brainer.
Williams’ path has been a bit more winding, but no less rewarding. Drafted 12th overall after the Lions traded back into the first round, Williams spent much of his rookie year recovering from an ACL tear suffered during his final college game at Alabama. After a slow start, the speedy receiver broke out in 2024. Catching 58 passes for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his game-breaking speed in the league’s top-ranked scoring offense.
Together, Hutchinson and Williams represent the fruits of Detroit’s careful roster construction. Aggressive when needed and patient when required. Holmes’ drafting acumen has been a key driver of Detroit’s resurgence and Friday’s announcement was another affirmation that the Lions are investing wisely in their future.
With both stars locked in through 2026, Detroit’s championship window looks as wide open as ever.
