The Detroit Lions’ head coach likes what he’s seen from defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike so far during OTAs. The interior lineman is entering his fifth NFL season while recovering from an ACL tear. Campbell’s praise was cautious, but he said he is making good progress with his rehabilitation.
Onwuzurike ruptured his ACL last season. The timing is different since he injured it in July, effectively wiping out his whole 2025 season. The good news with this timeframe is that he has a real chance to be entirely healthy by the time training camp begins. That would be significant for Onwuzurike, who needs a strong season, and the Lions, who need a strong season from him.
Levi Onwuzurike has entered a crucial moment for the Detroit Lions.
While he was a second-round pick who lived up to his billing when healthy, the problem is that Onwuzurike hasn’t played nearly enough. He missed the whole 2022 season due to a back ailment and the entire 2025 season due to an ACL tear. That being said, he has only 3. 5 sacks in three seasons.
Because of season-ending injuries, his contract did not toll, and he is still in the final year of his rookie agreement. Still, this indicates that he is about to embark on a momentous offseason ahead of an even more significant year.
Onwuzurike would probably want an extension in place before the season begins, given his injury history. However, the Lions must be careful when paying him because he might be out for a lengthy time. So, before the squad discusses an extension, they might want him to perform on the field.
That, however, would allow Onwuzurike to perform well and attract bids on the open market elsewhere. Does Detroit believe it can bet on him before he has a great season?
Levi Onwurzurike could complete the Lions’ defensive line overhaul.
If Onwurzurike can step onto the field quickly, he may provide a night and day difference for the Lions upfront from last season. Last year, Onwuzurike was not on the field at all, and Alim McNeil was also damaged and not entirely himself after an ACL injury. Both should be healthy and seem better.
In addition, the team had Tyleik Williams, who was a first-round selection despite being a newbie. He showed flashes and should improve next year, so all three of their key prospects should appear upgraded.
When you consider that the Lions also acquired Jay Tuefele in free agency and drafted Skyler Gil-Howard and Tyre West, the room should be unrecognizable. These are depth acquisitions and late-round selections, yet they may create a different four-spot squad than a year ago. McNeil’s more explosive play and Williams’ second-year stride may propel the club back into the NFL playoffs in 2026.
