The Detroit Lions just sent a clear message to one of their young defensive stars — “We didn’t forget about you.”
After a breakout 2023 season, defensive tackle Alim McNeill looked like a prime candidate for a contract extension this offseason. The man balled out, and he made it clear he’s a foundational piece of that rising Detroit defense. But when the time came for extensions to roll out, McNeill watched other guys—like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell—get taken care of first.
And let’s just say… he wasn’t exactly thrilled about it.
Rather than leave things awkward in the locker room, the Lions made a move. They added a $250,000 incentive to McNeill’s current deal—basically a performance bonus he’s likely to hit with ease. It’s not an extension, but it is a financial peace offering. A way of saying, “We see you, we value you, and your time is coming.”
McNeill is still under contract through 2025, and Detroit has every reason to keep him happy. At just 24, he’s developing into a force up front, and you don’t want to risk losing a guy like that to frustration or free agency later on.
It’s a smart play by GM Brad Holmes—keeping McNeill in good spirits without locking into a long-term deal before they’re ready. A little goodwill cash now could go a long way in keeping the vibes high on a team with real Super Bowl aspirations.
Sometimes it’s not about the money—it’s about the gesture. And this one? Loud and clear.
