DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Lions have exercised fifth-year options to keep edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams under contract through the 2026 season.
Detroit made the moves Friday, a day after signing All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph to an $86 million, four-year contract extension.
The Lions selected Hutchinson second overall and Williams No. 12 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
Hutchinson had 7 1/2 sacks in five games last year before his season ended with a broken leg. The former Michigan star had 11 1/2 sacks in 2023 as a Pro Bowl player and 9 1/2 sacks as a rookie.
After having surgery to repair his left leg that was broken in two places, Hutchinson has posted videos on social media that show him sprinting at the team's training facility.
Williams is coming off a breakout season. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch, ranking second in the league, and had 58 receptions for 1,001 yards with seven touchdowns along with 11 carries for 61 yards rushing and a score last year.
Off the field, Williams has had challenges.
He was suspended for two games last season by the NFL for violating the its performance-enhancing substance policy and was found with a gun in a car driven by his brother without a concealed-carry permit, but was charged with a crime.
In his second year in the league, Williams served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy and finished the season with 24 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns along with three rushes for 29 yards and a score. As a rookie, the former Alabama star returned from knee surgery and played six games and had one catch for a 41-yard touchdown.
Detroit drafted a player who will play alongside Hutchinson next season.
The Lions took Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick on Thursday night.
Williams joins a defensive tackle group that includes Alim McNeill and DJ Reader. McNeill may not be available to start the season after tearing an ACL and his potential absence could give an opening to Williams to play a large role as a rookie.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Larry Lage, The Associated Press
