Detroit Lions announce signings of Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, NFL Draft picks

The Detroit Lions came away with quite the haul in the 2022 NFL Draft, adding arguably the top defensive player and top wide receiver available in this class in Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan and Jameson Williams from Alabama. On Friday, the Lions officially announced the signings of Hutchinson and Williams, in addition to other draft picks.

Hutchinson’s rookie deal is a four-year pact that is worth over $35 million, including a signing bonus north of $23 million. The specific details of the other deals for the Lions have not been released.

The Lions selected Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the first round. Detroit then traded back up to No. 12 overall, selecting Williams. The Lions still held a pick in the second round, which was used on Kentucky defensive end Josh Paschal. Paschal was not included on the list of draft picks that were signed by the Lions on Friday.

In the third round, the Lions selected Illinois safety Kerby Joseph. Detroit took tight end James Mitchell out of Virginia Tech in the fifth round, and then took Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and Jackson State EDGE James Houston in the sixth round as well. Arizona State cornerback Chase Lucas was selected with the Lions’ final pick in the seventh round.

In addition to the Lions draft picks, Detroit also announced that it has signed a number of undrafted free agents. Among the players that are joining the Lions are former TCU offensive tackle Obinna Eze, Michigan State guard Kevin Jarvis, and Virginia Tech cornerback Jermaine Waller.

Last season, it took until Week 13 for the Lions to pick up a victory. Detroit ultimately finished the year with an overall record of 3-13-1. Next season, the Lions are hoping for improvement under second-year head coach Dan Campbell. With an impressive haul in the NFL Draft and some hope moving forward, the Lions hope to take a big step forward in 2022. Detroit hosts the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in the first two weeks of the 2022 season.