There is some good news to report on the Detroit Lions defensive front.
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill and the Lions have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension worth $97 million with $55 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. The team announced the deal on Wednesday.
McNeill's new pact comes on the same day in which the Lions officially placed defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (tibia) and defensive tackle Kyle Peko (pectoral) on injured reserve. It also puts him in rarified air among interior defensive linemen, as the extension averages out to $24.25 million per season, which would be fourth in the NFL.
Thus, as McNeill, 24, will have more pressure to lead the D-line, he will be properly incentivized.
A 2021 NFL Draft third-round pick of the Lions, McNeill became an every-week starter in his second season. Despite playing in just 13 games last year due to a knee injury, McNeill posted a career-best five sacks to go with 10 QB hits, 32 tackles and a sterling 88.5 PFF overall grade.
So far this year, McNeill has a 79.8 grade with eight tackles and 2.5 sacks through five games for the 4-1 Lions.
