The Detroit Lions have had an impressive season, finishing with a 15-2 record and securing the NFC North title, along with the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Their Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings, a 31-9 victory, solidified their top spot in the conference. This strong performance earns them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
One of the standout players for the Lions this season, though not always in the spotlight, has been defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. The 26-year-old played in all 16 regular-season games and started 10 of them, proving to be an essential contributor to the team’s defensive line. Onwuzurike’s efforts have helped the Lions’ defense perform well throughout the year.
As Onwuzurike is set to become a free agent this offseason, there is concern about whether the Lions will be able to retain him. According to Bradley Locker of PFF, Onwuzurike could potentially leave Detroit and sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. Locker suggests that while the Eagles have solid depth at both edge rusher and interior defender, adding another defensive lineman could still be beneficial.
The Eagles may look to strengthen their defensive line even further, particularly if they can’t keep Milton Williams on the roster. Onwuzurike’s impressive play in 2024, marking the best season of his career, could make him an ideal addition to the Eagles’ defensive line, complementing players like Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo.
Onwuzurike’s performance this season included 1.5 sacks, 45 quarterback pressures, and 18 defensive stops. He also posted a solid 69.4 PFF grade, showcasing his all-around ability to impact the game. His strong individual play has caught the attention of analysts who believe he could be a valuable asset to a defense like Philadelphia’s.
In Detroit, the defensive tackle position is in flux. Alim McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 15, which leaves a significant gap in the defensive line. Additionally, veteran D.J. Reader will become a free agent next offseason, further complicating the situation for the Lions’ defense.
Retaining Onwuzurike will likely be a key focus for Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes during the offseason. The Lions will need to navigate the complexities of free agency and ensure they don’t lose one of their more promising defensive players. However, if Onwuzurike does leave Detroit, the Eagles could be an appealing destination.
In conclusion, the potential departure of Onwuzurike from Detroit could have significant implications for the Lions’ defense. With uncertainty surrounding their defensive tackle position, the team will need to act quickly to keep the talented player. On the other hand, the Eagles could emerge as a strong contender for his services, strengthening their defensive line for the future.
