The Detroit Lions have secured the return of defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike for at least one more year, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million. Onwuzurike, who has been with the team for three seasons, overcame early career injury struggles and delivered an impressive performance in 2024.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the news, stating, “Staying home: #Lions DT Levi Onwuzurike, just off the best year, is signing back with Detroit, sources say. Returning from a back injury that limited for two seasons, he impressed in 2024. He gets a 1-year, $5.5M deal in a deal done by CJ LaBoy of Wasserman.”
A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Onwuzurike has spent his entire professional career in Detroit after playing college football at Washington. This past season, he recorded 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. His contributions became even more crucial when the Lions lost star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson for much of the year due to injury.
Detroit’s defense struggled in 2024, particularly in the postseason, where it proved to be the team’s downfall in a loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite earning the NFC’s top seed and securing a first-round bye, the Lions were eliminated in their first playoff game.
Heading into 2025, Detroit is focused on strengthening its defense, and Onwuzurike is expected to play a key role. With Hutchinson set to return from injury, the Lions believe they have the pieces to remain a serious Super Bowl contender.
