The Detroit Lions have opted to secure defensive tackle Alim McNeill with a long-term contract.
“Fired up for Mac, he earned that,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell on Wednesday. “He’s a pivotal piece for us.”
McNeill has signed a four-year extension valued at $97 million, according to a source who requested anonymity due to the undisclosed terms.
“The timing was crazy,” McNeill remarked, noting he didn’t anticipate a deal happening this week.
With a record of 4-1, the Lions are gearing up to face NFC North leader Minnesota (5-0) on Sunday, a crucial matchup for both the division and playoff aspirations. Last season, Detroit clinched the NFC North title, their first in 30 years.
McNeill joins quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell as players who have received contract extensions this year.
“He’s one of our pillars here,” Campbell stated. “Just like the other guys we signed back.”
Lions general manager Brad Holmes selected McNeill in the third round (No. 72 overall) in 2021 from N.C. State, and he has since emerged as one of the league’s top defensive tackles.
McNeill matched his career high with two sacks during a 47-9 win over Dallas on Sunday. Last season, he recorded five sacks, the most by a Lions interior defensive lineman since Ndamukong Suh had 8.5 sacks in 2014.
Detroit needs McNeill to step up, especially now.
“We know we have to step up,” he said.
Aidan Hutchinson was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday as he recovers from a broken leg that required surgery and is expected to be out for at least four months. Hutchinson leads the league with 7.5 sacks and has totaled 28.5 sacks over 39 games in just over two seasons.