The Detroit Lions might have scored big with Levi Onwuzurike’s one-year deal. Injuries held him back during his first few seasons, but when he was healthy in 2024, he showed he could be a reliable part of the defense. With his rookie contract ending, there were some questions about whether he’d return, but he decided to stick with Detroit and signed a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million for the 2025 season.
Given how much the defensive tackle market has been blowing up, many expected Onwuzurike to get a bigger payday, so his new deal caught a lot of people by surprise. Because of that, he’s now being listed as one of the free agents who could outperform their contract in 2025.
According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, other interior defensive linemen like Milton Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Javon Kinlaw got way bigger contracts, with some deals reaching $20 million per year or more. But Onwuzurike had more pressures (47) and a higher pass-rush win rate (11.9%) than players like Kinlaw and Tershawn Wharton, who signed bigger deals, making his deal look like a bargain for the Lions.
While Onwuzurike didn’t post eye-popping stats, he was solid in the middle of the defense, with 1.5 sacks, 13 QB hits, and 28 tackles. If he can keep that production up in 2025, his deal will be an absolute steal for Detroit.
Popper also pointed out that Onwuzurike’s numbers may not have been flashy, but the upside is huge if he can keep bringing pressure. At his current contract, Onwuzurike could really exceed expectations this season.
