Former NC State DT Elite Lands Massive Million Dollar Contract Extension Worth $55 million Guaranteed

Former NC State nose tackle Alim McNeill is infusing some optimism into the Detroit Lions’ defensive line. Following the season-ending injury to Aidan Hutchinson, McNeill is set to take on a bigger role and has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $97million,with$ 55 million guaranteed, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Tuesday.

This new deal positions McNeill as the fourth-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL, with an average annual value of $ 24.25 million. He now trails only Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, Christian Wilkins of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Nnamdi Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens in terms of annual contracts.

Before this extension, McNeill was still operating under his rookie contract, which he signed after being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. That original four-year deal totaled $5,129,186,sosecuringanadditional$ 50 million in guaranteed money is a significant achievement for the Raleigh native.

This is a significant development for both parties, marking a much-needed positive moment for the Lions following the placement of EDGE Hutchinson and DT Kyle Peko on injured reserve. The Lions have secured a tackle who has recorded 2.5 sacks in his last two outings and has totaled eight tackles over the course of five games this season.

Currently, McNeill ranks as the No. 8 defensive tackle in the NFL, boasting a grade of 79.8, according to Pro Football Focus. He has achieved 16 total QB pressures and five stops at or behind the line of scrimmage this year. These statistics come after he set a career-high with five sacks and an impressive 88.5 PFF grade in 2023, despite battling injuries during 13 games.

During his tenure at NC State, McNeill excelled as the first defensive tackle in the 3-3-5 system. In three years in Raleigh, the 6-foot-2, 317-pound lineman recorded 78 tackles, 10 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a “Thick Six” that could be considered one of the greatest big man touchdowns in NC State history.

At just 24 years old, McNeill has a promising career ahead and is likely to secure another contract in the future. Having signed a deal that promises generational wealth for him and his family, this achievement highlights the development at NC State and underscores the abundance of talent coming from North Carolina in the NFL.