ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement on a substantial four-year contract extension worth $97 million with defensive tackle Alim McNeill. This information was confirmed by a source who wished to remain anonymous, as the deal had not yet been publicly announced.

As the Lions prepare for a crucial match against the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, owning a record of 4-1, this deal signifies the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong roster. The Vikings, currently at 5-0, will be a significant contender in the divisional race and for playoff spots. Last season, Detroit ended a long-standing 30-year title drought in the NFC North.

McNeill’s new deal places him among several key players who have recently secured long-term contracts with the revitalized franchise, including quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

General Manager Brad Holmes, who selected McNeill in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft from North Carolina State, has seen McNeill evolve into one of the premier defensive tackles in the league. In a recent game against Dallas, McNeill showcased his skills by matching his career high with two sacks during the Lions’ impressive 47-9 victory.

In the previous season, he recorded five sacks, the best performance from a Lions interior defensive lineman since Ndamukong Suh, who set the benchmark with 8.5 sacks in 2014. With injuries mounting on the defensive line, Detroit is relying heavily on McNeill’s contributions now more than ever.

In a recent setback, standout Aidan Hutchinson was placed on injured reserve due to recovery from a broken leg that necessitated surgery, sidelining him for an estimated four months. Hutchinson currently leads the league with 7.5 sacks and has tallied 28.5 sacks in just 39 games over his first two years in the league.

Additionally, the Lions have placed defensive tackle Kyle Peko on injured reserve and have added defensive end Isaiah Thomas from the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. Thomas played in 10 games for the Cleveland Browns two seasons ago, ending with nine tackles, but suffered a season-ending knee injury last year. The Browns had drafted Thomas out of Oklahoma in 2022 with a seventh-round pick that Detroit had previously exchanged as part of a trade for quarterback David Blough.