Breaking news: Lions Are Expected to Make a $90 Million Choice Regarding defensive player.
This summer, the Detroit Lions inked three significant veterans to contract extensions. However, Alim McNeill, one of the team’s most vital defensive players, also needs a new contract.
The rookie agreement for McNeill will end following the 2024 campaign. The NFL Scouting Department of Bleacher Report graded him as the fourth-best possible free agent for 2025 on September 1.
In addition, the department estimated McNeill’s worth to be $90 million over a four-year period.
“On the open market, interior defenders who can close gaps, stop opposing quarterbacks from carrying the ball, and apply pressure will always be highly sought after. Because several of the other best defensive tackles, including Cameron Heyward (36), Quinton Jefferson (32) and B.J. Hill (30), are older, it is possible that the 24-year-old McNeill will draw more attention in 2025, according to Bleacher Report.
“To stay one of the top targets in free agency, McNeill will obviously need to build on his success from the previous campaign and continue to play on the field. A knee ailment forced him to miss four games the previous season.
“Because he lacks their raw numbers, McNeill could not be able to match the offseason deals signed by Justin Madubuike ($24.5 million) and Christian Wilkins ($27.5 million annually). But he might not lag behind them given the increasing need for quality defensive tackles.
McNeill has 112 total tackles in 47 games with the Lions, including 8 sacks and 15 stops for loss. In 13 games during the previous season, he recorded 32 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
Estimating DT’s Next Contract Alim McNeill
McNeill’s contract projections have been a little bit all over the place, with Bleacher Report projecting a salary on the higher end of $90 million.
Josh Queipo and Kyle Dediminicantanio of A to Z Sports estimated McNeill’s worth on May 8th, based on a 4-year contract. That is $4.5 million less than what Bleacher Report predicted for each season.
Christian Booher of Sport Illustrated had an even lower estimate. Booher estimated McNeill’s worth for a three-year contract to be $51 million. With fewer years and an even lower average yearly income ($17 million against $22.5 million and $18 million) under such a contract, McNeill would have less security.
Which prediction will turn out to be the most correct is hard to determine. Of course, McNeill’s worth will be significantly impacted by his performance this autumn.
For the most part, McNeill has been well throughout his career. He most likely can’t miss four games like he did the previous season in order to optimize his value, though.
He will also need to improve on his career bests in sacks and quarterback hits in order to get the largest payout. In 2023, he recorded 10 QB hits with his 5 sacks.
It would also be beneficial to be considered for an All-Pro or Pro Bowl. McNeill’s first three seasons were without a trip to the Pro Bowl.
Salary Cap Situation for the Lions in Advance of the 2024 Season
With the NFL pay cap in place going into the 2024 season, the Lions are in a wonderful situation. With roughly $49.2 million, they have the fifth-most salary cap room, according to Spotrac.
However, the Lions inked huge deal extensions with offensive tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and quarterback Jared Goff this offseason. The transactions will start to count against the team’s cap in 2025 and 2026.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is another defensive standout that the Lions need to secure a contract extension. The Lions cannot, therefore, spend carelessly.
Even if the contract for McNeill is on the pricier half of the wide-ranging forecasts, they ought to be able to afford it.
With around $85.4 million to spend for the 2025 season, the Lions are presently placed sixth in terms of salary cap space according to Spotrac.
