The 2025 free agency class is starting to take shape, with players like Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos and Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs expected to secure new contracts. One player to watch is Alim McNeill, a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. According to general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions are actively working on a contract extension for McNeill. Although the team has recently focused on extending key offensive players, talks about McNeill’s future are still in the early phases. Holmes noted that while there hasn’t been extensive discussion yet, both sides recognize the intention to finalize a long-term deal.
Last season, McNeill delivered an impressive performance, achieving career bests with 18 solo tackles, six sacks, and 23 quarterback hits over 13 regular-season games and three playoff games. With the addition of D.J. Reader and the return of Levi Onwuzurike, the Lions have strengthened their defensive line, offering McNeill enhanced support.
Although there is a possibility of a new contract, McNeill is focusing on his on-field performance. He has decided to leave contract negotiations to his agents while he concentrates on getting ready for the upcoming season. With his existing contract ending after this season, his main concern is team success rather than contract details.
Detroit Lions Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill Expected to Secure $90 Million Deal in 2025 Free Agency
As McNeill’s contract nears its end, he will require a new agreement, either from the Detroit Lions or another interested team. Bleacher Report’s NFL analysis predicts that the Lions’ standout is likely to secure a lucrative new contract as a free agent in 2025.
Interior defensive linemen who excel at filling gaps, stopping ball carriers, and pressuring quarterbacks are always in high demand on the open market. At just 24 years old, McNeill is expected to attract considerable attention in 2025, especially as other top defensive tackles like Cameron Heyward (36), Quinton Jefferson (32), and B.J. Hill (30) are older.
To remain a top free-agent target, McNeill will need to build on his previous performance and stay healthy, as he missed four games last season due to a knee injury.
Although McNeill may not reach the annual contract values of Christian Wilkins ($27.5 million) or Justin Madubuike ($24.5 million) due to their superior statistics, he is likely to command a significant contract given the high demand for quality defensive tackles.
The projected contract value for McNeill is estimated at four years and $90 million. As his rookie contract concludes, Detroit will face a major decision, with McNeill’s impressive performance and the strong market for skilled interior defenders potentially making him a highly coveted player in free agency.
Selected in the third round of the Lions’ 2021 draft, McNeill has become an essential component of the team’s defense. His dedication to securing a victory is evident, with his sights set on a Super Bowl championship as the season nears. If all goes as expected, the Lions standout is likely to ink a new contract when free agency arrives next year.
Leave a Reply