Bleacher Report predicted that Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill would get a four-year, $90 million contract deal. This summer, the Detroit Lions inked three crucial veterans to contract extensions.
However, one of the team’s key defensive players, Alim McNeill, is also seeking a new contract. McNeill’s rookie contract will expire following the 2024 season. On September 1, Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department evaluated him as the fourth-best possible 2025 free agent.
The department also projected McNeill to be worth $90 million on a 4-year extension.
“Interior defenders who can fill gaps, stop ball carriers, and pressure opposing quarterbacks will always be in high demand on the open market.
Bleacher Report predicts McNeill’s 24-year-old status will increase interest in 2025, as other elite defensive tackles such as Cameron Heyward (36), Quinton Jefferson (32) and B.J. Hill (30) are getting older. “Of course, McNeill will need to capitalize on his success last season and stay on the field to remain one of the top free agent targets. Last season, he missed four games due to a knee injury.
Projecting Next Contract for DT Alim McNeill
McNeill’s contract projections have been all over the place, with Bleacher Report predicting $90 million on the top end. On May 8, A to Z Sports’ Josh Queipo and Kyle Dediminicantanio predicted McNeill’s contract worth $72 million over four years.
This represents a $4.5 million difference from Bleacher Report’s projection each season. Christian Booher of Sport Illustrated had an even lower estimate.Booher valued McNeill at $51 million for a three-year contract. On such a contract, McNeill would have fewer years of security and a lower average annual compensation ($17 million against $22.5 million and $18 million).
It’s hard to say which prediction will be most correct. However, McNeill’s performance this autumn will undoubtedly have a significant impact on his value. McNeill has been fairly healthy during his career. However, in order to maximize his value, he will most likely be unable to miss four games like he did last season.
To earn the highest compensation, he must improve on his career highs in sacks and quarterback hits. In 2023, he recorded 5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. A Pro Bowl or All-Pro consideration would also assist. McNeill failed to make the Pro Bowl in any of his first three seasons.
Lions’ Salary Cap Situation Heading Into 2024 Season
The Lions are in a strong situati
on with the NFL salary cap entering the 2024 season.According to Spotrac, they have the fifth-largest salary cap space at around $49.2 million. This offseason, the Lions signed quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to hefty contracts.
These transactions will begin to be counted against the team’s cap in 2025 and 2026. The Lions plan to sign defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to an extension. So the Lions cannot be reckless with their spending.
However, they should be able to finance a deal for McNeill, even if it is on the higher end of the wide-ranging forecasts. According to Spotrac, the Lions have $85.4 million in salary cap space for the 2025 season, ranking sixth overall.
Dave Holcomb covers the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions. Holcomb is originally from Pittsburgh and has written about collegiate and professional sports for FanSided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker.
