New Contract For Lions DE Is Final Piece of 'Incredible Comeback'

The process took longer than some previous deals the Lions have negotiated under general manager Brad Holmes, as they have made moves prior to the draft each of the last two years. However, both Hutchinson's representatives and the Lions were able to come to an agreement that cements his place among the franchise's current cornerstones.

The market for defensive ends was impacted by two major contracts that were inked prior to the season, with Cleveland extending Myles Garrett and Green Bay giving Micah Parsons a new deal after trading for him.

"We really wanted to get a deal done, you know? But, as you know, these things can get a little bit hairy the more you get into it and the longer it goes. As you see with other guys around the league, obviously you want to avoid those situations," said Hutchinson. "We were able to get it done and move on from it. Really just super grateful and just ready to focus everything on this season and really move on from it and put that behind me. And now, really focus on what's important.

"It was great. I feel like that was more of me signing the contract. But, I feel like me hearing the news, and hearing the offer coming in, like to me, you get that that deep relief almost. That those negotiations are over with and you can kind of really just put -- I was very uninvolved in the process. There wasn't too much focus, but I think as much uninvolved as you are, it's still something that's that's there, you know. But now, I feel like with that not being there, it's just really, I'm all in."

Staying loyal

Hutchinson becomes the ninth player to sign a big extension with the organization over the last two seasons, which happens to correlate with the time that Holmes' first draft class became extension eligible.

Draft picks who have earned extensions featuring money near the top of the market over the last two years include Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Hutchinson, Jameson Williams and Kerby Joseph. Add in veterans Taylor Decker, Jared Goff and David Montgomery, and the Lions have committed nearly a billion dollars to nine players.

"It's huge. It shows Brad's dedication to his draft class and the guys that he's brought in," said Hutchinson. "The guys that he believes are those pillars of the team. What can I say? I'm excited to play with Jared (Goff) Kerby (Joseph), Penei (Sewell), Saint (Amon-Ra St. Brown). I mean, all those guys that have gotten paid. It's exciting to have them around, because it's fun to play football with them on Sunday's.

With these commitments being made, the Lions have shown that players who fit their standards and culture will be rewarded. It also establishes a window for the organization in which it is committed to competeing for a championship.

The lofty goals the Lions have are now the standard, and the players responsible for delivering it are committed to the cause.

"Everybody knows we have the pieces. We just got to go out there and do it," Hutchinson explained. "We know we have the talent and we have the coaches to do it. And the culture, everything's set and in place. Last year was what it was, but this year, that will always be the goal with this group."