Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie identified defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike as a possible trade or cut candidate for the Detroit Lions.

The Lions strengthened their defensive front by selecting Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick in the first round. That move may have placed pressure on former high draft selection Levi Onwuzurike.

That’s what Sterling Xie of Pro Football Network suggested on May 2. He listed Onwuzurike as a player the Lions might trade or release.

“Levi Onwuzurike also matches the big edge rusher profile, but he might be a victim of roster depth. The ex-second-round pick hasn’t quite delivered on his early promise, even though he tied for the team lead with 45 pressures last season. Still, that didn’t land him a long-term contract—he re-signed on a one-year, $4 million deal,” Xie explained.

“That low price tag makes him tradeable, especially since he proved useful in a rotational spot in 2024 and has former second-round status.”

Detroit selected Onwuzurike at pick No. 41 in Round 2 of the 2021 draft. Statistically, his output has fallen short, and he only cracked the starting lineup last season.

That said, Onwuzurike developed into a dependable rotational defender in 2024. The 27-year-old totaled 28 combined tackles and recorded 13 quarterback hits.

Following a strategy similar to the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit has built significant depth on the defensive line.

That depth may create some tough choices when roster cuts arrive this summer.

“Edge rusher might still be a more pressing need, but the Lions are now loaded with talent along the interior defensive front,” Xie observed. “First-rounder Tyleik Williams looks ready to contribute right away.”

“Veterans D.J. Reader and Roy Lopez are solid against the run, and versatile players like Brodric Martin and Josh Paschal can slide inside on passing downs.”

Those names represent just the healthy defensive tackles on the team. At defensive end, the Lions boast Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Mitchell Agude, and third-rounder Ahmed Hassanein.

As Xie noted, Onwuzurike rejoined the Lions on a one-year, $4 million contract. That figure could appeal to another team via trade before final roster decisions.

If released, Onwuzurike would count for $3.5 million in dead cap against Detroit’s salary space.

Given the current roster structure, Onwuzurike being a trade or cut candidate appears logical. As Xie said, it may all come down to the numbers.

However, Detroit clearly had a reason to bring Onwuzurike back for another season.

“The Lions may want to avoid being thin on the interior if Alim McNeill is sidelined for most of 2025,” Xie added.

McNeill tore his ACL last December. Coach Dan Campbell told reporters at the annual NFL owners’ meeting that McNeill is unlikely to be ready for the season opener.

“It’s hard to predict Mac’s return,” Campbell said, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “ACL injuries vary. He likely won’t be back for camp or early in the season.”

Detroit re-signed Onwuzurike as depth insurance. The question is whether the team holds onto that insurance—or leans on a rookie starter if McNeill misses time in 2025.