Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes was not afraid to say it: Alim McNeill appears next in line for an extension.
On Monday, the Detroit Lions and Taylor Decker put pen to paper to lock up their left tackle for the future on a three-year, $60 million extension. But according to general manager Brad Holmes, the team may not be done in handing out money to lock up their core players.
In an interview on 97.1 The Ticket’s Costa & Jansen with Heather show, Holmes noted that they absolutely intend on working out a deal with defensive tackle Alim McNeill.
“He’s another one that Dan (Campbell) and I have talked about it. He’s part of the foundation,” Holmes said. “He was part of our first draft, and again, we’ve gotten Penei (Sewell) done , we’ve gotten (Amon-Ra) St. Brown done , and there’s plenty other guys within that draft class that have played key roles.
“But Alim, the way that he’s developed his game, he does everything right, he’s a total pro and he’s extremely talented. So he’s another one that, it’s about time. So we’ll get talks going at some point and hopefully try to get something done.”
McNeill is entering the final year of his rookie contract after three years of modest production, but consistent improvement. Last year, despite missing four games with an injury, McNeill posted a career-high 5.0 sacks, 10 QB hits, six tackles for loss and a PFF grade (86.8) that ranked him seventh among all interior defenders.
That could lead to a pretty massive payday for McNeill, especially considering how much the defensive tackle market has exploded in the past couple years. In this offseason alone, seven different defensive tackles got new deals worth north of $20 million per year: Chris Jones ($31.75M), Christian Wilkins ($27.5M), Justin Madubuike ($24.5M), Derrick Brown ($24M), DeForest Buckner ($23M), Kenny Clark ($21.3M), Christian Barmore ($20.75M).
McNeill, to his credit, doesn’t want to hear about any of it. He’s focused on working and producing his best season to date.
“I told my agent not to talk to me about that. I’m in training camp right now, so I’m not even thinking about that,” McNeill said. “I got to play good. I’m worried about winning this year. Whatever happens, happens. But I haven’t done any of that.”
Many have projected a breakout season for McNeill, particularly given that Detroit paired him this offseason with free agency signing DJ Reader. In the spring, McNeill projected “destruction” for the duo. And while Reader is still working his way back from injury, McNeill is still learning things from the eight-year vet.
“His aggression. The way he takes on blocks. The way he pass rushes, everything,” McNeill said. “I’m trying to implement all that into my game. Talking to him everyday, trying to get a little knowledge from him here and there. Everything.”
Whether the Lions and McNeill can reach an agreement before the start of the season remains to be seen. But, for now, the Lions clearly aren’t afraid to show their support for a player they clearly view as part of their future.