The Detroit Lions boast one of the most talented young rosters in the NFL, yet general manager Brad Holmes has taken a reserved approach in free agency this offseason.
Aside from signing D.J. Reed to replace Carlton Davis—who joined the New England Patriots—at cornerback, the Lions have not made a major splash to find an edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson or fill other key roster gaps. However, their lack of big spending doesn’t mean they haven’t made meaningful additions.
Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team compiled a list of the best “value” signings from the first week of free agency, highlighting Detroit’s decision to retain defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million guaranteed as the top move.
“A second-round pick in 2021,” Brooke notes about Onwuzurike. “He was a late bloomer, rarely seeing playing time until injuries forced him into action last season.
He capitalized on the opportunity, emerging as a breakout force in the middle of Detroit’s defense, registering 47 pressures.
“That performance felt like just the beginning of Onwuzurike’s potential in the league. At 27 years old, he could remain a disruptive interior pass rusher on a budget-friendly contract for the Lions in 2025 before securing a lucrative deal next offseason.”
Detroit can afford to bet on Onwuzurike’s upside given its existing talent, and if his growth continues on this path, he could further elevate one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses.
