One of the key concerns for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2025 offseason is their defensive line, particularly the uncertainty surrounding one of their starters.
While both 2025 interior starters, D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill, remain under contract, McNeill’s status for the start of the season is in doubt after suffering a torn ACL in December.
During locker room cleanouts following Detroit’s divisional-round playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, McNeill was still on crutches and provided little insight into his recovery timeline.
“Now that we’re done, I gotta get back on the field as fast as I can,” McNeill told Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website. “I’m not gonna rush or anything, but I’m gonna push myself for sure.”
With McNeill’s return uncertain, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts that the Lions will sign Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman B.J. Hill in free agency.
“The prediction here is Hill finds a new home with the Detroit Lions,” Knox wrote. “They battled numerous defensive injuries in 2024 and lost star defensive tackle Alim McNeill to a torn ACL in Week 15.
“Adding Hill would provide insurance during his recovery, and the Lions could use additional depth along their defensive front anyway.”
Though there has been speculation about the Lions potentially moving on from Reader, that scenario seems unlikely. Reader performed well in his first season with Detroit and should be even better in 2025, now fully recovered from his quadriceps injury.
Rather than parting ways with Reader, the Lions need to bolster their depth. Re-signing Levi Onwuzurike would be an ideal move, but he may seek a starting role elsewhere, especially with Reader under contract until 2026. Onwuzurike could also command a high price tag after a strong 2024 season.
If Onwuzurike departs, Hill would be a solid alternative. The veteran defensive lineman recorded three sacks and 32 pressures in 2024 while earning a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 69.2, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets.
Spotrac projects Hill’s market value at two years, $18 million—a deal well within the Lions’ reach, given their estimated $46.5 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.
While retaining Onwuzurike would be preferable due to his long-term potential, Hill would be an excellent fallback option and a strong bridge player for Detroit’s defensive line.
