In a major move for the Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Alim McNeill has secured his future with the team by agreeing to a lucrative four-year extension. The announcement was made by his agent, Mike McCartney, and it comes hot on the heels of the Lions signing running back David Montgomery to a two-year, $18.25 million extension.
McNeill, who was in the final year of his previous contract, was set to earn $3.389 million in salary and bonuses for this season. However, the new deal dwarfs that figure, with Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reporting that McNeill’s extension is worth a whopping $97 million, including $55 million guaranteed.
The 2021 third-round draft pick has been a key contributor for the Lions since joining the team. In just five games this season, McNeill has already racked up eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. Over the course of his career, he has played in 52 games with 41 starts, amassing an impressive total of 120 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.
The news of McNeill’s extension comes at a critical time for the Lions, who have been hit by injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Kyle Peko and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson have both been ruled out for the season, making McNeill’s presence all the more crucial for the team’s success moving forward. With McNeill locked in for the long-term, the Lions can rest easy knowing they have a cornerstone player anchoring their defense for years to come.
