Contract Status of Detroit Lions' Interior Defensive Linemen in 2024

Lions have question marks on interior of defensive line.

Alim McNeill was by far the biggest bright spot along the interior of the Lions' defensive line in 2023. 

The N.C. State product proved to be both a capable run-stopper and pass-rusher, and finished the season with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 86.8. That grade was good for the seventh-best mark among all interior defensive linemen. 

Meanwhile, the rest of Detroit's interior linemen experienced plenty of struggles. And subsequently, Lions general manager Brad Holmes should be on the search for a starter alongside McNeill this offseason. 

Without further ado, let's take a look at the contract status of the interior defensive linemen that spent 2023 with the Lions.

Alim McNeill

McNeill had a breakout season in 2023, recording a career-best five sacks.

He's signed with Detroit through 2024, and is due for a cap hit of $1,632,013 this upcoming season. He also possesses $272,578 in remaining guarantees.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Lions negotiate a contract extension with the defensive tackle this offseason.

Benito Jones

Jones finished the 2023 campaign as a starter on the interior of the defensive line alongside McNeill.

The 6-foot-1, 335-pounder is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. As a restricted free agent, Detroit will be able to match any offer that Jones receives from another NFL organization.

Tyson Alualu

Alualu was a late-season signing by Holmes in 2023. Originally signed to the practice squad, the veteran finished the season as one of Detroit's key contributors along the interior of the defensive line.

He'll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

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Levi Onwuzurike

Onwuzurike has been anything but dependable since being selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2021 draft (No. 41 overall). Most recently, he suited up for 10 games as a reserve in 2023.

The University of Washington product is signed through 2024, and will count $2,592,829 against the cap this upcoming season.

Additionally, he has $821,617 in guarantees remaining.

Brodric Martin

Martin made a minimal impact in his rookie season, playing in just three games. He's signed through the 2026 season, and will carry with him a cap hit of $1,205,473 in 2024.

Also, he possesses $643,134 in remaining guarantees on his rookie deal.

Chris Smith

Smith, an undrafted free agent in 2023, didn't play a single down this past season. He finished the campaign as a member of Detroit's practice squad.

He's presently signed to a “futures contract.” And what is a futures deal, you may ask? It's a contract signed by street free agents, such as Smith, which doesn't count against the salary cap until the kickoff of free agency (March 13).

The defensive lineman will count $795K against the Lions’ cap in 2024.