The Detroit Lions have officially re-signed offensive lineman Kayode Awosik, though the terms of the deal have not yet been made public. Over the last three seasons, Awosika has played a crucial role as a backup along Detroit’s offensive front.
Journey from Undrafted Free Agent to Reliable Depth Piece
After going undrafted in 2021, Awosika signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a priority free agent. He had a successful college career at Buffalo, where he started for four years and helped anchor one of the nation’s most productive rushing offenses in 2020.
Many undrafted players struggle to carve out long-term NFL careers, often cycling through practice squads. However, Awosika has managed to surpass expectations, earning a spot on active rosters and proving his value as a reliable backup.
Gaining Experience in the NFL
During his rookie season, Awosika spent most of his time on the Eagles’ practice squad before being elevated to play in their regular-season finale. The following year, the Lions claimed him off Philadelphia’s practice squad, and he went on to appear in four games at offensive guard, making two starts.
Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Awosika continued to serve as Detroit’s primary interior offensive line backup, stepping in for six spot starts. His biggest moment came when he started in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers. Known for his strong run-blocking ability, Awosika has only committed three penalties in his eight career starts—one holding call and two false starts, both of which were negated by defensive infractions.
Outlook for 2025
Heading into the 2025 season, Awosika is expected to maintain his role as the top backup behind starting interior linemen Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, and Christian Mahogany. While the Lions may look to add depth through the draft, it is unlikely that any new addition would push Awosika off the roster.
Given the high injury rate among offensive linemen, quality depth is essential. By bringing Awosika back, the Lions ensure they have an experienced and dependable backup who can step in when needed, helping to maintain stability in the trenches.
