Aidan Hutchinson predicted to win Defensive Player of the Year by 2029
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 9:03 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026

ESPN's Seth Walder predicts Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson will capture the Defensive Player of the Year award by the 2029 season. Hutchinson, notable for his impressive performance last year with 14.5 sacks and a strong five-game stretch in 2024, is seen as capable of an elite season. This prediction aligns with Hutchinson's ongoing presence in top defensive conversations following his Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors. Lions fans may anticipate a potential award-winning performance as soon as the 2026 NFL season if he stays healthy.
- •Aidan Hutchinson recorded 14.5 sacks last season.
- •Seth Walder predicts Hutchinson could win DPOY by 2029.
- •Hutchinson had a five-game stretch in 2024 with 7.5 sacks.
- •He was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro last year.
- •The Lions have not made the Super Bowl in recent seasons.
- 9:03 PMYahoo Sports — Lions get bold Aidan Hutchinson prediction that wouldn't be a surprise at all
"This bold Aidan Hutchinson prediction wouldn't actually be a surprise.
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