Aidan Hutchinson, Lions Agree to $35.7M Rookie Contract After 2022 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions have officially named Aidan Hutchinson a member.

Mike McCartney, the agent for the Lions' No. 2 overall pick in the draft, said on Monday that the team had signed the player.

According to Spotrac, the total value of Hutchinson's four-year deal is $35.7 million with a $23.15 million signing bonus. He will count $6.493 million against the cap.

The 21-year-old was the best player in the draft class. He played four years at the University of Michigan. He played in 43 games for the University of Michigan.

The best campaign of Hutchinson's time at Michigan was in 2021. He was a force on the defensive side of the ball for the UM, recording 16 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in 14 games.

He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting last season, thanks to his outstanding performance on the field. He was the first defensive player since 2012 to finish in the top two.

Hutchinson was heavily linked to the Lions with the second pick in the draft. The fit was perfect because the team needed a dominant edge defender and he has a local connection.

The Lions drafted Hutchinson after the Jags chose Walker with the top pick.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters what they are getting in Hutchinson. He has a motor. He brings a fast pace. He is relentless. He has a rush. Run production is what he brings. He is quick and powerful. He is everything we are looking for.

He will be counted on to be a key player in Detroit's rebuild. He has the type of elite upside that few players currently on the roster can match.

The Lions are headed in the right direction. It will be a process to become a playoff contender, but Hutchinson has the ability to make it easier.