DT Alim McNeill agree to join Lions on 4 years deal worth $97 million

Lions sign DT Alim McNeill to a four-year, $97 million contract, according to reports.
Detroit (WXYZ) – According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Detroit Lions have signed defensive lineman Alim McNeill to a new deal after he has been a consistent member of the defensive line for the past three seasons.

According to the article, McNeill may earn up to $97 million over the next four seasons, with $55 million of it guaranteed.
McNeill was scheduled to become a free agency this offseason, as his rookie contract worth little more than $5 million over four seasons was set to expire. However, with this agreement, the linemen will remain a part of the Lions’ defensive front for the most of the decade.

McNeill has started 41 of the 52 games he’s played across four seasons, including every game since 2022. He has 120 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and 24 quarterback hits while playing a significant role in Michigan’s run defense. McNeil has a 79.8 rating on Pro Football Focus this season, with eight tackles and 2.5 sacks in five games for the 4-1 Lions. While interior linemen’s stats don’t typically stand out, he’s now one of Pro Football Focus’ top defensive tackles.