Inking left lineman Taylor Decker to a three-year, $60 million contract, the Detroit Lions and Decker sealed the deal on Monday. However, general manager Brad Holmes suggests that the organization might not be done using financial incentives to lock in its key players.
During an interview on the Costa & Jansen with Heather program on 97.1 The Ticket, Holmes stated that they are determined to strike a deal with defensive tackle Alim McNeill.
“Dan (Campbell) and I have discussed him as another one. Holmes stated, “He is a member of the foundation.” “He was a part of our first round, and once more, we completed Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown, in addition to a number of other individuals from that first class who had significant roles to play.
However, Alim has improved his game to the point where he does everything flawlessly, is a true professional, and is incredibly gifted. He is another who believes that it is about time. Thus, at some time, we’ll start a conversation and perhaps try to accomplish something.
McNeill’s rookie contract is about to expire after three years of steady improvement but minimal output. McNeill had a career-high 5.0 sacks, 10 QB hits, six tackles for loss, and a PFF grade (86.8) that placed him ninth among all interior defenders last season despite missing four games due to injury.
McNeill might end up with a very large salary as a result of that, especially given how much the defensive tackle market has grown over the last several years. Seven defensive tackles, Chris Jones ($31.75M), Christian Wilkins ($27.5M), Justin Madubuike ($24.5M), Derrick Brown ($24M), DeForest Buckner ($23M), Kenny Clark ($21.3M), and Christian Barmore ($20.75M), signed new contracts totaling more than $20 million annually just this summer.
To his credit, McNeill isn’t interested in hearing about any of it. His main goal is to work hard and deliver his greatest season to date.
“I instructed my agency not to discuss that with me. I’m not even thinking about that right now because I’m in training camp,” McNeill remarked. “I have to perform well. This year, I’m concerned about winning. Whatever occurs, occurs. But none of that has been done by me.
Many have predicted that McNeill will have a breakout season, especially after Detroit signed free agent DJ Reader this offseason. McNeill predicted “destruction” for the pair in the spring. Additionally, McNeill is continuing to pick up tips from the eight-year veteran while Reader is still recovering from his injury.
“His belligerence. The manner he approaches blocks. Everything about the way he passes rushes,” McNeill remarked. “I’m attempting to include everything into my game. conversing with him every day and attempting to occasionally glean some information from him. Everything.
It remains to be seen if a deal can be reached between McNeill and the Lions before the season begins. But for the time being, it’s evident that the Lions aren’t scared to back a guy who they see as an important part of their future.
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