Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell Reveals $97 Million Defensive Starter Unlikely to be Ready for Start of 2025 Season

April 2, 2025 – Detroit Lions fans are reeling from the latest bombshell dropped by head coach Dan Campbell during a press conference at the NFL Annual League Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. Campbell, known for his raw honesty and fiery leadership, revealed that a key defensive starter—rumored to be defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who signed a $97 million contract extension through 2028—may not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. This news comes as a significant blow to a Lions team that finished the 2024 season with a franchise-record 15-2 record, only to fall short in the playoffs against the Washington Commanders. With Super Bowl aspirations higher than ever, Campbell’s announcement raises questions about the team’s defensive depth and readiness for the upcoming season.

The Announcement: A Tough Pill to Swallow

Campbell, who has transformed the Lions from a perennial underdog into a legitimate NFL powerhouse since taking the helm in 2021, didn’t mince words when addressing the media. “We’ve got a guy, a big piece of our defense, who’s still working through some things,” Campbell said. “He’s a $97 million player for a reason, but I’m not sure he’ll be ready to go Week 1. We’re not rushing him back—we can’t afford to lose him for the long haul.” While Campbell didn’t name the player outright, sources close to the team point to Alim McNeill, the 24-year-old defensive tackle who suffered a torn ACL late in the 2024 season, as the likely candidate.

McNeill’s injury was one of many that plagued the Lions’ defense last year, with the team losing nearly two dozen players to injured reserve, including stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Carlton Davis. Despite the setbacks, Campbell’s squad managed to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed, a testament to his ability to rally a depleted roster. However, the playoff loss to the Commanders exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in the defensive line, where McNeill’s absence was keenly felt. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, the prospect of starting without one of their most dominant defenders is a bitter pill for Lions fans to swallow.

Who Is the $97 Million Starter?

Alim McNeill, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense. His four-year, $97 million extension, signed in October 2024, reflects his value to the team as a disruptive force in the trenches. In 2024, before his injury, McNeill recorded 5.5 sacks and 32 tackles, earning praise for his ability to clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks. His partnership with veterans like DJ Reader and Za’Darius Smith helped the Lions’ defense rank among the league’s best against the run, a critical factor in their 15-win campaign.

However, McNeill’s torn ACL in December 2024 sidelined him for the playoffs, and his recovery timeline appears to be longer than anticipated. ACL injuries typically require 9-12 months of rehabilitation, and with McNeill’s injury occurring late in the season, a Week 1 return was always optimistic. Campbell’s comments suggest the team is prioritizing McNeill’s long-term health over a rushed comeback, a decision that aligns with his philosophy of building sustainable success. “We’re not here for a one-year run,” Campbell said. “We want to be contenders for the next decade, and that means taking care of our guys.”

The Impact on the Lions’ 2025 Season

The potential absence of a player like McNeill could have a ripple effect on the Lions’ defensive strategy. The team has already undergone significant changes this offseason, losing both coordinators—Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears and Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets—along with several assistant coaches. Campbell has since promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator and brought in Kacy Rodgers as the new defensive line coach, hoping to maintain the unit’s aggressive identity. However, without McNeill anchoring the line, the Lions may struggle to replicate their 2024 dominance against the run, especially in a competitive NFC North division featuring the Minnesota Vikings (14-3 in 2024) and the Green Bay Packers.

The Lions’ defense was a bright spot last season, even amidst injuries, thanks to players like safety Kerby Joseph, who led the NFL with nine interceptions, and rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. But the defensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage was a key factor in their success, and McNeill’s absence could expose weaknesses. Campbell acknowledged the challenge but remained defiant. “We’ve got depth, and we’ve got guys who are hungry,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

Campbell’s Leadership: A Beacon of Hope

If there’s one thing Lions fans can count on, it’s Dan Campbell’s ability to navigate adversity. Since taking over in 2021, Campbell has instilled a culture of grit and resilience in Detroit, turning a franchise once mocked for its futility into a Super Bowl contender. His introductory press conference, where he famously vowed to “bite kneecaps” and build a team that reflects the city’s blue-collar ethos, set the tone for a remarkable turnaround. Under Campbell, the Lions have gone from a 3-13-1 record in 2021 to a 15-2 juggernaut in 2024, earning their first NFC North title in 30 years and their first playoff win since 1991.

Campbell’s leadership was on full display last season when injuries decimated the roster. Despite losing key starters, he kept the team competitive, relying on a “next man up” mentality and the emotional intelligence that has earned him widespread respect. Players like Jared Goff, who revived his career under Campbell’s guidance, and Amon-Ra St. Brown have praised his ability to inspire. “He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around,” Goff said earlier this year, a sentiment echoed by many in the locker room.

Looking Ahead: Can the Lions Overcome This Setback?

As the Lions prepare for the 2025 season, the focus will be on building depth and ensuring the team can withstand early-season challenges. General manager Brad Holmes, who has worked closely with Campbell to rebuild the roster, will likely explore free agency and the draft to bolster the defensive line. With over $50 million in cap space, the Lions have the flexibility to sign veterans or extend players like Kerby Joseph, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Campbell’s track record suggests he’ll find a way to keep the Lions competitive, even without a key starter. His decision to play starters in a meaningless Week 17 game last season against the San Francisco 49ers—despite the risk of injury—showed his commitment to maintaining momentum, a move that paid off with a division-clinching win over the Vikings in Week 18. Fans will hope that same tenacity carries the team through this latest challenge.

For now, the Lions and their fans are left to wait for updates on McNeill’s recovery. If he can return by midseason, the team’s Super Bowl hopes remain intact. But if his absence lingers, Campbell will need to work his magic once again to keep Detroit in contention. One thing is certain: with Dan Campbell at the helm, the Lions won’t go down without a fight.