With the Detroit Lions’ postseason campaign concluded, several NFL teams wasted no time poaching their coaching staff. Could a similar exodus occur with Detroit’s top free agents?
The Lions will face stiff competition in retaining key players, especially with former coordinators Ben Johnson (now leading the Chicago Bears) and Aaron Glenn (head coach of the New York Jets) stepping into new roles. Glenn, in particular, may attempt to lure breakout defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike to bolster his developing roster in New York.
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron recently speculated that Onwuzurike could land with either the Jets or Jacksonville Jaguars when free agency begins in March.
Onwuzurike’s skill set as an aggressive interior pass-rusher makes him highly sought after. The Jaguars, who struggled mightily in 2024—ranking last in pass-rush win rate among defensive tackles at just 8.9%—are expected to prioritize strengthening their defensive front. New defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile could see Onwuzurike as a perfect complement to established edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. His ability to generate pressure, evident in his 12%+ pass-rush win rate over the past two seasons, would provide an instant boost to Jacksonville’s defense.
Meanwhile, the Jets find themselves needing reinforcements after Javon Kinlaw’s brief tenure in New York. With Glenn now in charge and limited cap flexibility, the team may pursue Onwuzurike as a more affordable alternative—one Glenn already knows well from their time together in Detroit.
Although the Jets appear to be a natural fit due to Glenn’s presence, Jacksonville’s interest is compelling. However, moving from a Super Bowl-caliber Lions team to a Jaguars squad in the midst of a rebuild would be a significant decision. Jacksonville has a rookie head coach in Liam Coen and inexperienced coordinators in Udinski (offense) and Campanile (defense), making the situation somewhat uncertain.
If the Jaguars are serious about acquiring Onwuzurike, they’ll need to present a lucrative offer—likely in the range of three years and $42 million. The Lions recently locked up defensive tackle Alim McNeill with an extension, which could make it difficult to match such an aggressive bid.
Despite their cap challenges heading into 2025, Jacksonville desperately needs defensive upgrades. If they intend to transform one of the league’s weakest units, signing a disruptive force like Onwuzurike would be a step in the right direction.
