By Sunday 
When Big Money Meets Big Expectations
Every NFL offseason comes with its fair share of hot takes, but this one will sting for Detroit Lions fans. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill, once seen as a rising force in the trenches, has landed himself on Bleacher Report’s “Most Overpaid Players in the NFL” list—and yes, they went there.
Let’s rewind. The Lions drafted McNeill back in 2021, and over four seasons, he became a solid contributor on the line. He showed flashes—tackles for loss, some quarterback pressures, the occasional sack—but has he lived up to the kind of numbers that justify a $24.25 million per year extension? According to NFL analyst Gary Davenport, not quite.
“McNeill is a quality run defender who flashes occasionally as a pass-rusher,” Davenport wrote. “But he’s never had more than five sacks in a season… just when he was showing some potential to be one, he tore up his knee.”
Injuries, Hype, and the Harsh Spotlight
McNeill’s ACL injury in Week 15 of the 2024 season dealt a tough blow—not just to the Lions, but to his momentum. He still played 14 games that season and posted 3.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss, but let’s be honest—those aren’t game-wrecking numbers.
Meanwhile, head coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic. He’s praised McNeill’s work ethic and hinted that the best may still be ahead.
“We still feel like there is more in there… I’ve always liked Alim McNeill, but I see, there’s more to this guy,” Campbell told reporters.
That’s encouraging, but the critics aren’t backing down. When you’re the fourth-highest paid defensive lineman in the league, the bar is high—and NFL fans don’t do well with underperformance, even if it’s due to injury.
So… Overpaid or Just Getting Started?
The “overpaid” label might seem unfair, especially for a player returning from a major injury. But NFL contracts come with expectations, and McNeill’s salary makes him a target for scrutiny.
The Lions, loaded with young talent and playoff hopes, are banking on McNeill returning stronger, faster, and better. Whether that happens could be one of the quiet x-factors of their 2025 season.
One thing’s for sure—nobody’s rooting for McNeill to fail. But in Detroit, like everywhere else in the league, you get paid like a star, you better play like one.