The Detroit Lions have reinforced their defensive front by bringing back Pat O’Connor for the 2025 season. After joining the team in the summer of 2024, O’Connor became a key figure in the defensive line rotation, stepping up when injuries created opportunities for increased playing time.
Although he did not initially make the active roster following training camp, O’Connor remained within the organization on the practice squad. By the middle of the season, he had earned a spot on the active roster and contributed significantly to the defensive front.
A former Eastern Michigan standout, O’Connor was originally selected by Detroit in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, he was released before the regular season and eventually found a home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent six seasons. His tenure with Tampa Bay included the 2020 season when the team secured a Super Bowl victory.
Throughout his career, O’Connor has played in 80 games. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 12 games for Detroit, recording 18 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. According to Pro Football Focus, he registered 10 pressures and earned a 55.3 pass-rush grade.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a calf injury sustained in the regular season finale, preventing him from participating in the Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
In addition to retaining O’Connor, Detroit also re-signed Levi Onwuzurike last week as free agency began. A second-round pick in 2021, Onwuzurike agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal to remain with the team.
