Lions Extend Alim McNeill Amid Defensive Challenges

The Detroit Lions have signed defensive tackle Alim McNeill to a four-year contract extension worth up to $97 million, with $55 million guaranteed. McNeill, in the final year of his rookie deal, has been a consistent performer since being drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, starting 41 of 52 games. His new contract makes him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league, with an average annual salary of $24.25 million. McNeill has recorded 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss in five games this season, following a breakout 2023 season with five sacks. The extension comes as the Lions face the challenge of compensating for the loss of key defensive players, including Aidan Hutchinson. McNeill joins other 2021 draft class members Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who also received extensions this year.