With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Detroit Lions are spending plenty of time evaluating new prospects who could join the roster. Bringing in young talent, however, often means some established veterans eventually have to move on.
Building a successful team usually requires balancing youthful energy with veteran experience. Rookies provide fresh legs and long-term potential, while seasoned players offer leadership and knowledge of the game. Heading into the 2026 season, Detroit appears to have a healthy combination of both.
Still, one player currently tied to a long-term contract could see his future with the franchise come into question. According to an analyst examining Detroit’s roster outlook, the team might consider moving on from a notable defensive lineman sooner than many expected.
Defensive Tackle Could Be a Future Departure Candidate
In an article published April 21 for Detroit Jock City, analyst Andrew Hughes suggested that Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill could eventually become a player the organization looks to move.
McNeill still has three seasons remaining on the four-year, $97 million contract extension he signed midway through the 2024 season, according to contract data tracked by Spotrac. Despite that investment, his deal has already drawn criticism. In 2025, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report labeled the contract one of the league’s most questionable values.
Davenport acknowledged that McNeill has been a reliable run defender who occasionally contributes as a pass rusher. However, he has never surpassed five sacks in a single season and has only recorded 11.5 sacks throughout his NFL career. For a defensive tackle earning more than $25 million annually, expectations are typically much higher. Complicating matters further, McNeill suffered a serious knee injury just as he appeared to be reaching another level in his play.
Contract Value Becoming a Concern
Hughes also pointed to McNeill’s performance after returning from the ACL tear he suffered in December 2024. During the 2025 campaign, the defensive tackle appeared in 10 games and recorded nine solo tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. His overall grade from Pro Football Focus came in at 52.1, which placed him in the lower tier among defensive tackles across the league. Production at that level raises questions about whether the contract remains a good value for Detroit.
McNeill’s deal still includes $55 million in guaranteed money. The extension was originally signed after a strong 2023 season in which he posted five sacks and ranked sixth among defensive tackles in PFF’s grading system. Since then, though, his play and health issues have made the contract look less favorable.
The Lions could potentially address the position through the draft. Hughes noted that prospects such as Dontay Corleone from Cincinnati Bearcats football or Peter Woods of the Clemson Tigers football might provide long-term alternatives if Detroit chooses to invest in a younger defensive tackle.
For now, McNeill is expected to remain part of Detroit’s defensive plans under coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. However, adding another interior lineman could give the Lions flexibility in the future, especially if McNeill’s trade value rebounds.
Looking at the situation realistically, it seems unlikely the team will keep the contract unchanged through its full term. Detroit may ultimately try to restructure the deal or explore trade options if the opportunity arises.
