Analyst Calls Alim McNeill Overpaid, But Do the Numbers Back It Up?
The Detroit Lions have been smart with contracts throughout their rise to success, but with key extensions already signed—and more on the horizon—those days are numbered. Among those already rewarded is defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who inked a four-year, $97 million contract last fall.
The deal, which averages $24.25 million per year, initially made McNeill the fourth-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL. He has since dropped to fifth as new deals have been signed.
Injury Clouds McNeill’s Immediate Future
Unfortunately, McNeill tore his ACL in Week 15, putting his availability for the 2025 season in question. With the standard recovery timeline ranging 9-12 months, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready for Week 1. That uncertainty could push Detroit to draft another defensive tackle early or sign a veteran as insurance.
Is McNeill Overpaid? One Analyst Thinks So
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently named each NFL team’s most overpaid player, and for Detroit, he picked McNeill. However, his decision wasn’t an easy one.
“I thought about going with $53 million quarterback Jared Goff based on his playoff implosion this past season, but he’s earned a bit more benefit of the doubt the last couple years,” Gagnon wrote. “Instead, we’ll go with a promising and talented defensive lineman who has yet to fully deliver and is now dealing with a torn ACL.”
Gagnon pointed out that McNeill is due more than $85 million between 2026 and 2028, with annual cap hits of:
$28.96 million in 2026
$27.16 million in 2027
$29.2 million in 2028
Without the ACL injury, it’s unlikely McNeill’s contract would be scrutinized. But with his health in question, Gagnon believes the deal carries risk.
Has McNeill Already Had His Breakthrough?
Despite Gagnon’s concerns, McNeill has quietly been one of the NFL’s most effective interior linemen. Over the past two seasons, Pro Football Focus graded him as a top-10 defensive tackle, citing his ability to generate pressure from the interior.
Since 2022, McNeill has totaled:
79 quarterback pressures
62 hurries
8.5 sacks
Those numbers suggest his breakthrough has already happened, though injuries have kept him from a true star-making season.
The Bottom Line
McNeill’s contract numbers will climb in the coming years, but the Lions had little choice but to pay him. Detroit has prioritized rewarding homegrown talent, and McNeill was one of their most important defensive players before his injury.
If he returns at full strength, the deal will look much more reasonable. But if injuries linger or his production dips, the criticism may prove warranted.
