The Detroit Lions boast one of the most talented young rosters in the NFL, but general manager Brad Holmes has taken a measured approach to free agency this offseason.
Aside from signing D.J. Reed to replace Carlton Davis, who left for the New England Patriots, the Lions haven’t made any major financial moves to land an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson or fill other roster gaps.
However, the Lions’ conservative spending doesn’t mean they haven’t made meaningful additions.
Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team compiled a list of the best ‘value’ signings in the first week of free agency, ranking Detroit’s decision to retain defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike on a one-year, $3.5 million guaranteed contract at the top.
“A second-round pick in 2021,” Brooke writes, “Levi Onwuzurike was a late bloomer, getting limited playing time until injuries pushed him into action last season. He took full advantage of his chance, emerging as a breakout star in the heart of Detroit’s defense and generating 47 pressures.
“That performance looked like just the start of Onwuzurike’s potential in the NFL. At 27 years old, he could remain a disruptive interior pass rusher on a bargain deal for Detroit in 2025, positioning himself for a big contract next offseason.”
With an already talented roster, the Lions can afford to gamble on Onwuzurike’s continued growth. If he maintains his upward trajectory, he could further strengthen one of the league’s most disruptive defenses.