When it was all said and done last season, Aidan Hutchinson had 11.5 sacks last season (tied for 12th in the league). But that total masked a run where he had just two sacks over a 10-game stretch, as pressures didn't translate to sacks, and five sacks over the last two regular season games boosted his total.
At the Pro Bowl in February, speaking to Dannie Rogers of Lions.com, Hutchinson served a little warning to the rest of the league as he already looked toward his third season.
"I think the whole year was a year of growth. I think there was definitely some adversity as a team, adversity individually. And, it caused me to just try to learn as fast as I can," Hutchinson said. "I really enjoy this process, though, and that's what it's all about. I feel like I took so many strides this year, and I'm just looking for, I think there's still so many levels to unlock. I never put limitations on myself or my ability or this team. So, the sky will always be the limit."
Aidan Hutchinson thinks has has reached a new level going into his third season
Speaking after Thursday's OTA practice that was open to the media, via SI.com, Hutchinson set the bar for himself in 2024.
“I definitely feel like I’ve reached a new level this year in pass-rush and just body comp in general," Hutchinson said. "I feel like that’s what happens when you stack years in professional sports. Your body comp gets better, you get more flexible, you get more bend, it’s just everything that you want. As long as you treat your body and mind and soul right every year, it only compounds.”
From a sheer consistency perspective in the sack department, Hutchinson does have another step to take. Having another capable rusher on the opposite edge would surely help, but when he was asked about needing help, via 97.1 The Ticket, Hutchinson had the expected answer.
"I'm just gonna pass on that one", Hutchinson said.
Frankly, the other Lions' edge rushers can only be better this year than they were last year. Free agent addition Marcus Davenport, if he can stay healthy, can be a force. The healthy return of James Houston, who missed most of last season after having eight sacks in seven games as a rookie in 2022, will also help. Free agent signing DJ Reader has also been a productive pass rusher on the inside.
Hutchinson took a big step toward being among the elite edge rushers in the league last year. With another step in his third season, he'll cement himself in that conversation until further notice.