Evaluating how Levi Onwuzurike’s 2024 season made him a coveted free agent

The defining narrative of the Detroit Lions’ 2024 defense will undoubtedly be the wave of injuries that swept through the unit. However, one bright spot was Levi Onwuzurike, who—aside from Jack Campbell—proved to be the most consistently available front-seven player all season.

The second pick of the Dan Campbell-Brad Holmes era had a tumultuous journey to this point, but in his fourth season, he delivered his best performance yet—one that wasn’t always a certainty given his career trajectory. As a result, Onwuzurike has dramatically increased his market value compared to just a year ago.

With free agency approaching, the question now is whether the Lions see the soon-to-be 27-year-old as a foundational piece of their defense or if another team will swoop in with big plans for the big man.

Here’s a look at our previously written free agent profiles: QB Teddy Bridgewater, WR Allen Robinson, WR Tim Patrick, G Kevin Zeitler, OT Dan Skipper, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, DT Kyle Peko, LB Derrick Barnes, CB Carlton Davis, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Kindle Vildor, CB Khalil Dorsey, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, and K Michael Badgley.

Levi Onwuzurike

Expectations heading into 2024

Levi Onwuzurike entered the 2024 season as an unknown commodity. In his first three years, he had yet to start a game, appeared in only 51% of possible contests, and logged just 560 total snaps. Despite those limitations, he became one of the biggest stories of training camp, earning a significant role for the season ahead. In fact, three Pride of Detroit writers predicted him as the Lions’ Breakout Player of the Year.

Dan Campbell praised Onwuzurike’s transformation during camp:

“He’s earned it, I mean, it’s clear that he’s one of the best. I mean, it’s just clear, and he plays with violence, he’s stout, he’s fundamentally better than he’s ever been, and he’s shown that he has some versatility.”

Onwuzurike was projected to be a jack-of-all-trades versatile fifth defensive lineman — rotating as an edge player on early downs, lining up as a 5-tech defensive end in five-man fronts, and shifting inside on passing downs to spell Alim McNeill. In a deep, talented unit, he was poised to be the catalyst, finally realizing the potential that had long been evident.

Actual role in 2024

Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position

16 games (10 starts): 28 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, and 13 QB hits – 635 snaps

PFF grade: 69.4 (29th out of 146 interior defensive line)
PFF run defense grade: 64.1 (32nd)
PFF pass rush grade: 67.1 (37th)
PFF tackle grade: 45.9 (82nd)

Onwuzurike wasted no time making his presence felt in 2024. Through the first four weeks, he racked up 10 tackles, five quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks (recording 0.5 sacks in each of Weeks 1, 2, and 4). During that stretch, PFF credited him with 16 of his 45 total quarterback pressures (15th among interior defensive linemen) and five of his 18 total defensive stops during the regular season.

Everything had fallen into place perfectly for the balanced defensive front — Onwuzurike was the ideal shop wrecker to play sidekick to Aidan Hutchinson and McNeill. But that stability was short-lived. A cascade of season-ending injuries dismantled the unit: Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport were lost in Week 3, Hutchinson and Kyle Peko in Week 5, Mekhi Wingo in Week 13, and finally, McNeill in Week 15.

With each injury, Onwuzurike’s responsibilities grew. After logging fewer than 600 combined snaps the previous four seasons, he was thrust into 697 snaps in 2024, lining up all over the defensive front. He played 39.5% of his snaps over the B-gap, 40.6% over the C-gap, and 18.1% outside the tackle. Juggling multiple roles, he had to adjust on the fly while still acclimating to full-time NFL action.

Despite the challenge of getting his sea legs, Onwuzurike showed flashes of dominance. Midseason, he notched five total pressures (including two QB hits) and two defensive stops against the Titans, followed by four more pressures against the Texans. He closed the year strong as well—from Week 16 through the Divisional Round, he recorded 17 total pressures, four QB hits, and nine defensive stops (45% of his full season total).

Entering the year as an enigma, Onwuzurike endured ups and downs but proved invaluable down the stretch, especially after McNeill’s injury. While he didn’t always make a game-changing impact, he was the Lions’ most reliable defensive lineman late in the season. His 2024 campaign showcased why Brad Holmes made him his second-ever draft pick as Lions general manager, and why his next contract could be a lucrative one.

Outlook for 2025

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

After completing his four-year rookie contract, Onwuzurike enters free agency coming off a breakout season at age 26. His versatility and production in 2024 will make him an intriguing option for teams looking to strengthen their defensive front, especially those with ample cap space and a need for interior disruption.

Onwuzurike’s tape from this past season shows a skill set that could make him a valuable puzzle piece for the right defense. However, teams will need to carefully assess how he fits into their scheme and supporting cast. His effectiveness is maximized when paired with an elite pass rusher, allowing him to thrive in a complementary role rather than shouldering the burden of being a primary disruptor.

Pros of re-signing

Onwuzurike’s best football is likely still ahead of him, making him a valuable asset for first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. His versatility—playing anywhere from 3-technique defensive tackle to 7-technique defensive end—gives Sheppard the flexibility to deploy various defensive fronts tailored to different opponents and situations. Simply put, Onwuzurike is a valuable chess piece on a defensive line.

Beyond his individual impact, Onwuzurike also enhances the effectiveness of both Hutchinson and McNeill. With both returning from injury, his presence could be especially critical—providing stability if McNeill needs additional recovery time early in the season. Additionally, his ability to rotate inside would help manage Reader’s snap count, preserving the veteran’s effectiveness over the course of the year.

If the Lions bring Onwuzurike back and bolster the front with reinforcements, this defensive line could wreak havoc in a way Detroit hasn’t seen since 2014.

Cons of re-signing

Onwuzurike’s breakout 2024 season likely raised his market value beyond what the Lions can reasonably afford. Committing to him long-term could limit Detroit’s ability to make more critical investments elsewhere. The Lions likely would prioritize Carlton Davis III or Kevin Zeitler over Onwuzurike. Given the Lions’ success in the NFL Draft, they must be selective about which players they focus on as long-term cornerstones—especially since they can’t retain everyone.

The team has already extended McNeill and is expected to make Aidan Hutchinson the highest-paid defensive player in league history soon. Given those financial commitments, it may not be feasible to allocate significant resources to Onwuzurike as well.

Additionally, Onwuzurike’s past back injuries remain a lingering concern. While he stayed healthy in 2024, his injury history adds an element of risk—one that may make a high-priced extension too steep of a gamble for the Lions.

Is there interest from both sides?

During Super Bowl week, Detroit Free Press reporter Dave Birkett revealed that the Lions had attempted to re-sign Onwuzurike before the 2024 season. However, the defensive lineman opted to wait, betting on himself to elevate his performance—and that decision paid off. Detroit’s early interest suggests they valued him even before his breakout year.

From Onwuzurike’s perspective, he and his agent will undoubtedly look to maximize his value on the open market. However, given his four-year tenure with the Lions, a return to Detroit—where he’s built strong relationships with coaches and teammates—would likely be an appealing option.

Cost?

Estimating Onwuzurike’s market value has been a challenge, with projections varying significantly. Over the Cap currently lists his average annual value (APY) at $8 million, but as of Week 8, they had him valued as high as $16.7 million per year. Meanwhile, PFF projects a contract in the $8.25 million per year range. Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers is predicting a $15 million per year deal for Onwuzurike.

Onwuzurike’s second contract will depend on how teams view his breakout 2024 season and whether they believe he can sustain that level of play.

Conclusion

Onwuzurike’s 2025 impact, wherever he lands, will largely depend on how he’s utilized. If a team signs him expecting him to be their primary pass rusher and generate 8+ sacks per season, there’s a risk of miscasting his role. If he were to return to the Lions at a reasonable $8 million per year, he could thrive alongside Hutchinson and McNeill, potentially becoming that 8+ sack player by devouring single team matchups

Realistically, Onwuzurike is likely to exceed the $8 million per year projection, making a return to Detroit improbable. Quality defensive linemen like him don’t grow on trees and demand for his skill set will be high. The defensive tackle market is expected to be reset by contracts for Osa Odighizuwa and Super Bowl standout Milton Williams, which will likely elevate Onwuzurike’s price tag. Given the market dynamics, the Lions may not be able to justify the investment. As a consolation prize, Onwuzurike’s departure could yield a valuable 2026 compensatory pick.