The Detroit Lions are maneuvering their financial strategies with a forward-thinking mindset, preparing for the inevitable extensions of their rising stars. In light of this, they’ve opted for a strategic move by renewing starting defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike with a one-year contract. While his tenure with the Lions hasn’t always been smooth sailing, the strides he made during Detroit’s standout 2024 season have earned him another shot and a nod of approval from the football community at large.

ESPN analyst Ben Solak has highlighted Onwuzurike’s return as a savvy deal in the initial burst of free agency. The Lions managed not only to retain a capable starter at a bargain price but did so as the market for interior defensive linemen gets increasingly competitive.

Onwuzurike agreed to a deal worth $5.5 million for one year, a stark contrast to Javon Kinlaw, who secured $45 million over three years with the Washington Commanders, and Tershawn Wharton, who landed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. Interestingly, Onwuzurike outperformed both in terms of pressure rate.

Despite his struggles with health setbacks in Detroit, including missing an entire season due to injury, Onwuzurike showcased glimpses of his potential in 2024. His ability to adapt across the defensive line amid frequent player injuries around him spoke volumes about his starting-caliber capabilities.

With Alim McNeil secured for the long haul, Onwuzurike’s challenge lies in proving his durability across all 17 games, contributing to bolstering Detroit’s run defense. With Kelvin Sheppard stepping up as the linebackers coach, succeeding Aaron Glenn, the defensive scheme that saw Onwuzurike flourish remains intact.

A breakthrough season for Onwuzurike would bring dual benefits for Detroit. It would enhance their financial flexibility, allowing them to conserve resources for future extensions while also being agile enough to absorb larger contracts from mid-season trades—a move that could propel them towards postseason success.

Although Onwuzurike’s journey in the NFL was slow to ignite, the remarkable impression he’s made on both the Lions’ leadership and the wider NFL analyst community suggests there’s genuine excitement surrounding Detroit’s defensive frontline as we approach 2025.