Notes: Former NFL star says Aidan Hutchinson will contend for sack title

CBS Analyst J.J. Watt sees a bright future for Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

After a really strong first two years in the NFL, Detroit Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is poised to take another big step in 2024. And if you ask former All-Pro edge rusher J.J. Watt, he believes the third-year star out of Michigan can contend for a sack-title very soon.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press spoke with the now CBS Analyst while he was in Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58, and caught up with former Lions’ defensive linemen Michael Brockers as well.

Like others around the Lions, Watt believes Detroit needs to add another dynamic pass-rusher to pair with Hutchinson.

“Aidan’s always going to get double-teamed and chipped,” Watt told the Free Press. “That’s just a fact of the matter when you’re a premier pass rusher in this league. But if you can get somebody on the other side that can take advantage of the one-on-ones, then that’s when you really start to help your team.”

As far as Hutchinson’s chances to vault himself into the elite at his position in 2024, Watt certainly seems like a believer.

“I don’t see why not,” Watt said of Hutchinson’s potential moving forward. “I think he has the work ethic, he has the drive, he has the skill set. I have no reason to believe he wouldn’t be. I also think it’s awesome to see him get drafted there, in Detroit, with Dan Campbell and everything that’s come. Some situations just fit and make sense and that’s one that does.”

You can read the entirety of the article from Birkett here.

And now, onto the rest of today’s notes:

• I don’t know about you, but this tweet tells me it’s almost time for Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes to cook.

• The episode of the St. Brown Brothers’ podcast covers the Super Bowl and Amon-Ra’s Pro Bowl experience.

• Could the Lions potentially be in the running to sign cornerback L’Jarius Sneed? One analyst for Bleacher Report thinks so.

• Would Brad Holmes trade for Los Angeles Chargers’ edge rusher Khalil Mack? Brad Spielberger of PFF listed it as a move that would shake up the offseason. Personally, I’m not sure I would make this trade as Mack’s 2024 cap hit is substantial.

• Looking for some cute Valentines Day memes to send your favorite people? The Lions have you covered.

• Lions’ Senior Writer Tim Twentyman continues his positional breakdowns with a focus on the safeties.