Following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, attention turns to the Detroit Lions and their preparations for the 2026 offseason, which will be a critical period involving free agency and the NFL Draft. General manager Brad Holmes faces a significant challenge managing the team’s roster, particularly due to Detroit’s tight salary cap situation.
According to Spotrac’s projections, the Lions are expected to exceed next season’s salary limit by over $9.1 million. Even assuming a rise in the salary cap, Detroit will need to reduce payroll commitments to create the flexibility required for roster improvements. This financial strain puts players like defensive tackle Alim McNeill at risk of being released or traded to ease cap burdens.
Alim McNeill’s Role With the Lions Diminishes After Injury and Performance Issues
Selected 72nd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, McNeill has highlighted his potential as a robust defensive lineman when fully fit. However, the 25-year-old defender from NC State had a difficult 2025 season marked by limited availability and decreased production, making his future with the Lions uncertain.
McNeill spent the first half of last season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to an ACL tear sustained the previous year. Once activated, he struggled to recapture his earlier form, contributing five solo tackles, one sack, a pass defended, and forcing one fumble over 10 games. Notably, he missed a career-high 17.6% of his tackle attempts, reflecting a downturn in effectiveness.
Known for his run defense, McNeill’s performance regressed last year, as evidenced by just eight stops over 202 rushing plays, equating to roughly 4.0%—a steep decline compared to the 9.1% rate he maintained in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
Injuries and Coaching Changes Affect McNeill’s Performance and Future
The knee injury and departure of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn likely contributed to McNeill’s underwhelming season. Although the current defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard may provide the continuity McNeill needs to rebound in 2026, the Lions must weigh this against the financial relief that could come from parting ways with him.
Spotrac outlines the possible financial impacts of different roster moves:
- Cutting McNeill before June 1 would incur $37.9 million in dead cap but save nearly $8.9 million.
- Trading him before June 1 lowers dead cap to $17.9 million and yields over $11.1 million in savings.
- Post-June 1 cuts or trades could adjust the dead cap to $24.9 million or $5 million, respectively, with corresponding savings ranging from $4 million up to $24 million.
A post-June 1 trade would produce the largest cap relief, potentially freeing $24 million to be allocated elsewhere. Given McNeill’s age—turning 26 in September—teams needing depth on the defensive line might consider acquiring him as a low-risk option.
Potential Impact of McNeill’s Departure on the Lions’ Rebuilding Efforts
While McNeill’s exit is not guaranteed, indicators increasingly point to a possible separation this offseason, especially as the Lions seek financial flexibility to bolster their roster in pursuit of returning to playoff contention. Detroit finished last in the NFC North in 2025, underscoring the urgency for significant changes.
McNeill could still regain his status as a reliable presence on the defensive front if given adequate time to recover and develop. Alternatively, a change of scenery might offer the fresh start he needs to revive his career. For Brad Holmes and the Lions organization, balancing McNeill’s potential against their cap challenges will be a key focus as they navigate this critical offseason phase.
