Detroit Lions able to bring back Levi Onwuzurike at a bargain rate
Allen Park — With several free-agent defensive tackles earning contracts averaging double-digit millions the past two offseasons, Levi Onwuzurike appeared primed to cash in this week. Instead, the Lions were able to re-sign their former second-round pick for another season. The relatively modest agreement is reportedly worth up to $5.5 million, according to the NFL Network.
It’s possible, perhaps even likely that concerns about Onwuzurike’s surgically repaired back restricted his market. He was limited to 26 games in his first three seasons, missing the entirety of the 2022 campaign while undergoing a vertebrae fusion procedure.
The Lions were cautious with Onwuzurike the following season, limiting him to 132 defensive snaps, peaking at 25 in the season finale. Any lingering concerns were put aside last offseason. He went on to appear in 16 games, logging 635 defensive snaps, more than in his first three seasons combined.
He finished the year with 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Not included as part of his official stat line was the pressure he generated as a pass-rusher. According to Pro Football Focus, Onwuzurike logged 45 quarterback hurries, hits and sacks, tied for 15th among interior defenders. His 12.5% win rate clocked in at 13th among qualified players at the position.
The pressure-to-sack ratio points to untapped potential for the defender, who turned 27 earlier this month.
By re-signing for one season, Onwuzurike will be operating on a prove-it deal for his next trip through free agency in 2026. By repeating his performance from last season, and turning a few more of those pressures into sacks, he should be able to lessen concerns about his back and earn a larger, multi-year deal, whether from the Lions or another team.
Onwurike bolsters a defensive front that is expected to be without Alim McNeill to begin next season. He suffered a torn ACL in December and didn’t have surgery until after the new year.
I really like this move. At this cost, I think it's a great risk for the Lions to take. I still hope that a primo DT or Edge falls to the Lions in the draft...
This is an extremely positive move. Looking forward to seeing him be able to play inside the whole season.
Do hope that this doesn’t preview Reader being let go, as there are seven DTs on the roster and have to think at least one is added in the draft. Way too many for a 53 man. At this point, the cap space isn’t needed, even if DJ doesn’t completely warrant his existing cap number. For locker room vibes and rolling dice on stability in the middle, I hope Reader sticks as well.