The Lions’ Best Free Agent Bargain? Levi Onwuzurike Might Be It
When free agency kicked off, there were plenty of questions about how Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes would improve the roster without breaking the bank. One of his best moves? Bringing back defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike on a one-year, $4 million deal—a potential steal in free agency.
A High-Value Bet
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently picked every NFL team’s free-agent signing with the most upside, and for the Lions, Onwuzurike was the obvious choice. Considering PFF projected he could get around $10 million per year on the open market, Detroit locking him in at less than half that price is a major win.
Why This Makes Sense
Onwuzurike is coming off his best season yet, setting career highs across the board. He racked up 47 QB pressures, 20 stops, and earned a solid 70.2 PFF grade. His pass-rush win rate of 12.5% put him among the league’s top 15 defensive linemen.
With Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Reader alongside him, Onwuzurike has a chance to make an even bigger impact in 2025. For a team that dealt with some tough injuries last season, keeping a productive piece like him was a no-brainer.
Bottom Line
At just $4 million for the year, the Lions are getting serious value. If Onwuzurike builds on last season’s progress, this could go down as one of the best bargain signings in the NFL.
Lions’ Best Free Agent Bet: The Signing With the Most Upside
