The have been aggressively retaining their core players with contract extensions. This offseason, they have signed Jared Goff to a massive deal (through 2027, with an option in 2028), locked up Amon-Ra St. Brown through 2028, and inked Penei Sewell to a huge contract that will keep him on the roster through 2029.
But who is next in line?
That was our question for Lions fans in the most recent SB Nation Reacts survey and the results are in.
It’s easy to see the argument in favor of extending Alim McNeill, who is unquestionably a top-three defender on the Lions’ current roster and has the potential to reach superstar levels. The only real argument against extending McNeill is his potential price tag, as I noted in the companion article:
“It’s worth pointing out that the top 20 defensive tackles averaged over $15 million per season, and the top 13 averaged at least $21 million.”
Let’s take a look at a few explanations from some of Pride of Detroit’s readers from the comment section of the original companion article. Note: some responses are lightly edited for ease of reading.
- MystDragoon: “Alim is the (Amon-Ra St. Brown) of the defense. His flexibility opens doors for other more streamlined players to get playing time and enables flexible game plans. He’s next.”
- Sprtn66: “Alim McNeill, please. He was my draft crush that year. Now that the defense is becoming respectable, I don’t want to start letting foundation pieces go.”
- positivebob: “ALIM. This guy will be a Chris Jones-level destroyer this year.”
- JayBDet: “Alim and Decker, before they get any more expensive.”
It’s also worth pointing out that while McNeill is the player fans’ favorite for the next extension, Decker also got his fair share of votes. One of the leaders of this team, Decker is in the final year of a big contract and the stability the Lions would gain by giving him a contract would be incredibly valuable.
Let’s go back to the fans for more.
- SwordOfIfeatu: “Decker. OL is very important for this team and it’s gonna be a bit for Gio to get going.”
- DetSports: “Decker for sure. He hasn’t killed us on money and is as loyal as a puppy. And way above average talent who plays through pain.”
- LeoninePride: “Big Deck. One year left and he said he’s still gotta lotta gas in the tank. If any Lions player deserves SB success, it’s TD68.”
- enelsoniii: “Decker. Longest-tenured player and tremendously underrated? Add 2 years and Manu gets a longer leash to learn. Decker deserves it both for performance and tenure/loyalty.”