The Detroit Lions faced a significant setback during their recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, suffering one of the worst defeats in franchise history.

The loss, however, was overshadowed by the serious leg injury sustained by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in the third quarter, which required emergency surgery and ended his season.

Hutchinson was a leading candidate for the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award prior to his injury.

Despite this setback, the Lions are moving forward with their season.

General manager Brad Holmes has taken decisive action to strengthen the team, making a notable move by re-signing defensive tackle Alim McNeill to a four-year contract extension.

This deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on social media platform X, will keep McNeill with the team through the 2028 NFL season and is valued at $97 million, with $55 million guaranteed.

With this new contract, McNeill now ranks as the fourth highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL, behind only Nnamdi Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens,

Christian Wilkins of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs.

McNeill is the second player from the Lions to secure a contract extension recently; running back David Montgomery was also re-signed for two years at $18.25 million.

McNeill, who was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 72nd overall pick, has shown promise since joining the team.

He played college football at NC State, where he earned All-American honors in his junior year, accumulating impressive stats that included 77 tackles, 10 sacks, one interception, and a touchdown.

After becoming the starting defensive tackle for the Lions at the beginning of the 2023 season, McNeill faced challenges due to a knee injury that sidelined him for several games.

As of 2024, he has recorded 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts as they navigate the remainder of the season.