Is Alim McNeill’s Contract a Smart Investment or a Costly Gamble for the Lions?
The Detroit Lions made a bold statement last season when they locked down defensive tackle Alim McNeill with a four-year, $97 million extension, including $55 million guaranteed. While the team sees McNeill as a foundational piece of their defense, some analysts are questioning whether Detroit paid too steep a price for a player still working to establish himself as a dominant force.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently identified McNeill as the Lions’ most overpaid player, raising concerns about his production relative to his contract. “When will McNeill break through?” Gagnon asked, pointing out that the 24-year-old is set to earn more than $85 million between 2026 and 2028. That’s a major investment in a player who has shown promise but hasn’t fully broken out as an elite interior defensive lineman.
McNeill’s stats from last season—25 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 14 games—aren’t necessarily eye-popping. However, Pro Football Focus ranked him 11th out of 219 interior defensive linemen, highlighting his impact beyond the basic stat sheet. The Lions clearly value his presence in the trenches, but critics argue that his contract suggests he’s already an elite performer, rather than a player still developing.
Adding to the uncertainty is McNeill’s injury history. He suffered a torn ACL in 2024, and while the Lions are optimistic about his return, any major knee injury raises concerns about long-term durability. Given Detroit’s aspirations to remain a Super Bowl contender, they can’t afford to tie up cap space in a player who isn’t at full strength.
That said, the Lions were smart in how they structured the deal. They included a potential out after the 2026 season, limiting their long-term financial risk if McNeill doesn’t take the next step. If he continues to improve and solidify himself as a dominant force in the middle, this contract could look like a savvy investment. But if he struggles with injuries or fails to elevate his game, Detroit may find itself with an expensive problem on its hands.
For now, the Lions are betting big on McNeill’s future. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he’ll be under the microscope as Detroit pushes for a championship.
