NFL teams quickly targeted the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff right after their 2024 playoff journey concluded. Might a takeover of Detroit’s leading free agents on the market be imminent?
The Lions are expected to face rivalry, particularly with ex-coordinators Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears) and Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) securing head coaching positions this hiring season. Glenn might aim to acquire breakout star Levi Onwuzurike, for instance, as an essential foundation for his rebuilding team in East Rutherford.
Mason Cameron from PFF recently identified a surprise team that might acquire Onwuzurike, forecasting that either the Jets or Jacksonville Jaguars will sign the former No. 42 overall selection this March.
Onwuzurike is the disruptive 3-technique interior pass-rusher that all teams desire. Considering the Jaguars’ poor interior pass rush performance in 2024 — finishing at the very bottom in pass-rush win rate among defensive tackles (8.9%) — he will certainly be a key focus for new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s unit. Combining Onwuzurike’s over 12% pass rush win rate from the last two seasons with the effective duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker would undoubtedly catch attention in the AFC South.
Javon Kinlaw’s stay in New York was brief (he is an unrestricted free agent this offseason), and now the Jets need to seek other options for interior pressure. With Aaron Glenn leading this defense moving forward and the team facing restricted cap space, the Jets might seek a more budget-friendly choice in Onwuzurike, whom Glenn knows well, having coached him last season in Detroit.
Although the Jets are a clear choice for Glenn’s landing spot, including the Jaguars in this discussion is interesting.
Onwuzurike would depart from a Super Bowl contender in Detroit to join a Jacksonville team that is facing uncertainties, nearing a complete overhaul. The Jaguars possess a new head coach, Liam Coen, along with first-time coordinators Grant Udinski for the offense and Anthony Campanile for the defense.
If the Jaguars are genuinely aiming to recruit Onwuzurike from Detroit, they will need to present a significant contract proposal, probably around three years, $42 million. The Lions recently gave a substantial extension to DT Alim McNeill, so a strong proposal like this might seal the deal.
Jacksonville has limited cap space for 2025, and Coen is known for his offensive focus. However, if the Jags aim to swiftly improve one of the NFL’s weakest defenses, this is the type of signing they should pursue.