The Detroit Lions may have plenty of cap space, but they seem to be preparing for the financial strain of extending several young stars. This could be one reason they opted to give starting defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike just a one-year contract.

Although his tenure in Detroit has been somewhat disappointing, his noticeable improvements during the Lions’ impressive 2024 season earned him another year as a starter and increased recognition across the league.

ESPN analyst Ben Solak named Onwuzurike’s return as the best bargain of the first wave of free agency. Detroit not only retained a solid starter at a reasonable price but did so at a time when the market for interior defensive linemen was surging.

The Lions signed Onwuzurike for $5.5 million on a one-year deal, while Javon Kinlaw secured $45 million over three years from the Washington Commanders, and Tershawn Wharton landed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. Despite this, Onwuzurike posted a higher pressure rate than both players.

ESPN’s Ben Solak Praises Lions’ Levi Onwuzurike Signing

Onwuzurike has struggled with injuries in Detroit, even missing an entire season. In 2024, he frequently shifted positions due to injuries along the Lions’ defensive front, but he began to show flashes of a starting-caliber player.

With Alim McNeill already signed long-term, the hope is that Onwuzurike can stay healthy for all 17 games and contribute to improving Detroit’s run defense. As linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard takes over for Aaron Glenn, the defensive scheme that benefited Onwuzurike is expected to remain intact.

A breakout season from Onwuzurike would allow Detroit to save for future extensions while maintaining short-term financial flexibility. Rather than investing heavily in a new defensive tackle to pair with McNeill, the Lions could take on bigger contracts in mid-season trades to strengthen their playoff push.

Though a late bloomer in his professional career, Onwuzurike has done enough to impress both Lions decision-makers and the wider NFL community, generating considerable excitement around Detroit’s defensive line heading into 2025.