Last season was a challenging one for Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill. After suffering a serious knee injury in late 2024, McNeill struggled to regain his pre-injury form. As the Lions aim to revitalize their defense under new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, having a healthy McNeill is crucial.
The Lions' roster has undergone significant changes this offseason, especially on the defensive line. With veterans DJ Reader and Roy Lopez no longer in the mix, McNeill's return to form is more important than ever. Tyleik Williams, the 2025 first-round pick, is expected to step up, alongside Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, and Chris Smith.
The Lions have shown their belief in McNeill's potential by signing him to a lucrative four-year, $97 million contract, with $28 million guaranteed. This deal places him among the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league, underscoring the expectation that he'll anchor the Lions' defensive front for years to come.
Head coach Dan Campbell attributes McNeill's underwhelming 2025 performance to the challenges of rehab. With a full offseason ahead, Campbell is optimistic about McNeill's resurgence in 2026.
"Alim is only gonna be so much better from that," Campbell noted. "I'm not worried about Mac, Mac's gonna come in and do well."
Last season's stats tell a different story, though. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), McNeill recorded just nine solo tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in ten games. His overall grade of 52.1 ranked him 90th out of 134 defensive tackles, with 23 total pressures placing him 53rd.
These numbers fall short of his contract expectations and past performance. In 2023, McNeill shone with an 86.8 PFF grade, 43 tackles, six sacks, and a pass-rush grade of 78.6. His ability to collapse the pocket was a game-changer, freeing up edge rushers like Aidan Hutchinson.
When McNeill is at his best, he forces double teams, disrupting the opponent’s running game and allowing linebackers like Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes to attack without obstruction.
While his 2024 season remained solid, with a 79.6 overall PFF grade and 45 tackles, there was a noticeable dip in his production. The Lions' success in generating interior pressure this season will heavily depend on McNeill's return to form.
A full, healthy offseason could be the key to McNeill rediscovering his explosive traits. If he can, it will help cover some of Detroit's secondary weaknesses. If not, the Lions might find themselves searching for solutions in the heart of their defense.