Is Alim McNeill's Contract Extension Worth the Investment for the Detroit Lions?

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill of the Detroit Lions has finalized a four-year contract extension, as confirmed by his agent, Mike McCartney from Vayner Sports. The agreement is valued at $97 million, with $55 million guaranteed, according to a source cited by ESPN's Adam Schefter. McNeill becomes the third player from Detroit's 2021 draft class, under general manager Brad Holmes, to secure an extension, following All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell, both of whom signed extensions during the offseason.

Additionally, on Saturday, the Lions signed star running back David Montgomery to a two-year extension worth $18.25 million, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2027 season as the organization continues to reward its players following a strong start to the current season. Earlier in May, the Lions also re-signed quarterback Jared Goff to a new four-year contract valued at $212 million. Following training camp, Holmes expressed his belief in proactively addressing contract negotiations and rewarding top performers, which he believes sends a positive message within the locker room.

"The market's going to change. You don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. We've always felt the earlier the better for everybody," Holmes stated in August. "First of all, I know that the player doesn't want to wait around and be strung along, and as an organization, we engage in extensive planning and preparation to reward these players as early as possible because the future is uncertain."

At 24 years old, McNeill was selected by the Lions as a third-round pick (72nd overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft from NC State. He has started all five games this season, recording eight tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four quarterback hits. Last season, he made history as Detroit's first interior defensive lineman to achieve 5.0 sacks in a season since Ndamukong Suh in 2014. McNeill's contract extension comes just two days after the Lions' decisive 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, during which his teammate Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured tibia and fibula, with an expected recovery time of at least four to six months.