By Blessing 
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Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike’s Contract Details Reveal Smart, Team-Friendly Move
The details surrounding Levi Onwuzurike’s return to the Detroit Lions have officially surfaced — and they’re even more surprising than initially thought. When news first broke that the Lions had brought the defensive lineman back on a one-year deal, it already looked like a steal at a reported $5.5 million. Many analysts expected him to land somewhere between $8 and $14 million per year in free agency. Personally, I thought he’d get closer to $10 million on the open market.
Lions Score a Bargain with Onwuzurike
Now, thanks to contract specifics released by OverTheCap, we know the Lions got an even better deal than we realized. Onwuzurike’s new contract is structured as a one-year agreement worth $4 million in base salary, with additional incentives that could raise the total value to $5.5 million — the number that initially made headlines.
Contract Breakdown:
Guaranteed Salary: $1.5 million for the 2025 season
Signing Bonus: $2 million, fully guaranteed
Roster Bonuses: $500,000 in total
Total Guaranteed Money: $3.5 million
2025 Cap Hit: $3,970,588
This structure makes it clear: the Lions are playing this one smart. The deal minimizes risk on Detroit’s end while still giving Onwuzurike a chance to earn more if he performs. The incentives are largely tied to playing time and availability — a clever way to encourage consistency and health without locking in a huge financial commitment.
A Motivated Return
After battling through injuries earlier in his career, Onwuzurike seems determined to prove his worth in 2025. He recently expressed excitement about the upcoming season, saying he’s ready “to cause some damage.” That kind of energy, combined with a cap-friendly deal, makes this move a win-win for both sides.
Final Thoughts
For the Lions, this is a low-risk, high-upside signing that reinforces their defensive line without compromising financial flexibility. And for Onwuzurike, it’s an opportunity to prove he can still be the impact player Detroit envisioned when they drafted him. If he delivers, he’ll not only cash in on those incentives — he could set himself up for a much bigger payday in 2026.