For the first time in Aidan Hutchinson's career, there's both clarity and excitement over who his pass-rushing partner is going to be entering a season.
The Detroit Lions traded up to select EDGE Derrick Moore out of Hutchinson's Michigan in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Moore doesn't have a clear path to getting primary EDGE2 snaps after the Lions brought in D.J. Wonnum in free agency, but speaking with Lions writer Tim Twentyman on the "Twentyman in the Huddle" podcast, he's determined to give Hutchinson all the help he could ever ask for and then some.
Moore told Twentyman that "it's really exciting to play with" Hutchinson, drawing from both of their histories at Michigan.
"To be a part of this defensive unit with him -- I'm looking forward to learning a lot from him, growing with him, and dominate with him as well."
Music to Lions' fans' ears, considering EDGE rush help has long been at the top of their wish list. The organization's passivity in addressing that concern drew constant ire as fans watched Hutchinson continually get double-teamed at the line.
Moore clearly understands the assignment, saying, "Going into it, my whole thinking process is, how can I help Hutch?" Moore continued, "Hutch is the star of the show. So, how can I help him? Take all that stress off him and cause a little less attention for him."
Fans have long dreamed of how Hutchinson would play with a consistent threat on the other side of the line. Hutchinson was the fourth-highest-graded EDGE on PFF with a 91.8 grade, leading in snap count (1,005) and pressures (100). Hutchinson's comeback season garnered him a second Pro Bowl nod and a Second-Team All-Pro selection.
At the time, Hutchinson was primarily paired with Al-Quadin Muhammad, who totaled 11.0 sacks in his breakout season. Despite the efficiency, Muhammad was only on the field for less than half of Hutchinson's (457 snaps), thanks to his weak run defense keeping him off the field in those situations.
Moore's run defense hasn't been his strong suit, but as a rookie, he has room to grow in that department. Now that Muhammad plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Moore will have his opportunities to not only replicate Muhammad's production but also exceed it as Hutchinson starts to enter his prime.
Moore doesn't just want to help Hutchinson
Moore's desire to help Hutchinson is admirable, but he still has a competitive edge, which can quickly earn him significant playing time. Moore mentioned to Twentyman that his goal last season was to break Hutchinson's single-season sack record at Michigan (11.0). While he missed the record by one sack, Moore plans to bring those high goals and standards to the Lions.
"I got a lot of things to work on, but even being across from (Hutchinson) now, I'm just trying to compete with him at the same time. Now it's like, 'Alright, who is going to be the fastest to get to the quarterback?' That's definitely something right there I'm looking forward to."
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Hutchinson doesn't hold the Lions' single-season sack record, but last season, he fell 0.5 sacks short of that mark set by recent Ring of Honor inductee Robert Porcher in 1999. With more help on the other side, Hutchinson should have little difficulty earning that record.
But if Moore can get enough snaps and one-on-one opportunities like Muhammad did, he might just beat Hutchinson to the punch.
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