The Detroit Lions have some concerns on defense that could plague them in 2026, but one spot they don't have to worry about is No. 1 edge rusher. Aidan Hutchinson is back for another season, and 2026 could be his best year yet.
Hutchinson had his most productive season in 2025, tallying a career-high 54 tackles and 14.5 sacks. The Michigan product also notched at least 100 quarterback pressures for the second time in his career, with the other coming in 2023.
Despite fracturing his tibia and fibula in October 2024, Hutchinson returned and looked even better last year. Entering 2026, The Big Lead's Matt De Lima is expecting Hutchinson to take another leap and bring home the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. The Lions have never had a Defensive Player of the Year, but De Lima predicts Hutchinson will be the first.
Hutchinson Will Need to Be Dominant For Lions to Return to Playoffs
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Though Hutchinson was basically unblockable in 2025, the Lions failed to qualify for the playoffs. Detroit can't afford to waste any more of Hutchinson's prime by not contending for the postseason, so 2026 is a critical year.
With the Lions facing questions in the secondary, primarily because of Terrion Arnold's release and the injuries to safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the pass rush must step up and be one of the best units in the league. Hutchinson is the driving force behind the group, and if he can have a Defensive Player of the Year-level season, it will make life easier for every position on Kelvin Sheppard's defense.
Hutchinson can't do it all by himself up front, but luckily, the Lions have a few players who could emerge as solid pass-rushing options. Free-agent addition D.J. Wonnum has 54 career starts under his belt and should be a decent rotational piece.
Ahmed Hassanein has been standing out in training camp and could carve out a role on the defensive line, while second-round rookie Derrick Moore could also make an impact early. The Lions need one of these three to post viable production opposite Hutchinson.
Overall, Hutchinson has shown that he has the talent to be the best defensive player in the NFL, and the trophy could finally be his this year. However, the 2022 No. 2 overall pick also has to ensure that he's the catalyst for leading a Lions defense that can provide the offense with enough support to secure a playoff berth and a deep run in January, and hopefully February.
