The Detroit Lions haven't been busy in free agency in terms of adding defensive line help, but that could be by design after what they did with some of their own players earlier during the period.
Detroit is gambling on the healthy return of Marcus Davenport to chip in sacks and pressures at defensive end, and on the interior, they brought back Levi Onwuzurike, a move that looks solid on the surface given the tackle's own ability to rush the passer.
Now, Pro Football Focus revealed they see the benefit of Onwuzurike themselves. Out of all the moves Detroit has made in free agency, his signing has been revealed to be the one with the largest amount of upside according to analyst Ben Cooper.
"One of the best value signings of free agency, Onwuzurike reunites with the Lions and carries almost no downside. Detroit secured him for just $4 million in 2025 after PFF projected him to earn $10 million per year."
"Onwuzurike’s 47 quarterback pressures, 70.2 PFF overall grade and 20 stops in 2024 were all career highs, and his 12.5% pass-rush win rate was a top-15 mark at the position. The Lions’ defensive line, barring another injury storm, is shaping up to be a strong unit with Onwuzurike anchoring the interior."
The Lions will be depending on Onwuzurike to step up given fellow defensive tackle Alim McNeill's recovery from an ACL injury is likely to spill into the 2025 season. That makes Onwuzurike a vital player to watch for production along the defensive line.
Pro Football Focus also called Levi Onwuzurike a top value signing of free agency
Not only does PFF believe Onwuzurike has high upside, but they believe the Lions scored with his addition as well. A few weeks ago, the website put together a look at the five best values in free agency, and Detroit bringing Onwuzurike back on a one year, $4 million dollar deal made the cut.
"The Lions get Onwuzurike back on a one-year, “prove it” deal, as past injuries and inconsistent play likely paved the way for them to be able to re-sign him. 2024 was Onwuzirike’s healthiest and most productive season to date, and he notched 45 quarterback pressures in the regular season, including a career-high nine in Detroit’s Week 18 win over Minnesota."
Indeed, if the Lions get the same pressure production out of Onwuzurike in 2025 and it pays off in more sacks, he will look like a top value player in the league. While the Lions could certainly use another veteran addition to rush the passer, it's possible they believe they have enough already due to the presence of Onwuzurike.
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