The Detroit Lions are in the midst of their best regular season in franchise history. Already having won more games than any other season, the Lions are heading into the playoffs as a Super Bowl favorite.

In the NFL, Super Bowl windows can close fast. Front offices have to make tough decisions in roster construction and retaining key personnel, including the coaching staff. Regardless of what happens with the Lions in the postseason, it may be the last time we see a few members of the team in Detroit. Whether it is for financial reasons or better opportunities elsewhere, we may see a few off-season departures that Lions fans will need to be prepared for.

The Detroit Lions have taken a massive step forward on the defensive side of the ball this season. After being a bottom-ten unit in 2023, and a bottom-five group the season prior, the Lions are finally an elite defense. They are currently ranked seventh in terms of points allowed and Pro Football Focus has them as the sixth-best unit in the NFL.

Doing so while being decimated by injuries is a massive achievement. One of the biggest contributors to this success has been Levi Onwuzurike’s play. The former second-round pick has finally found his own and has been fulfilling the promise he has shown before the 2021 NFL Draft.

Since his rookie season, this is the first healthy campaign for Onwuzurike, who missed an entire year with a back injury in 2022. For a defensive line ravaged by injuries, Onwuzurike has been one consistent bright spot. He has played 59% of defensive snaps for the team and put up 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 11 QB hits.

The Lions would ideally want to keep Onwuzurike around but may not have the financial means to do so. The 26-year-old is the type of interior pass-rusher every team in the league is looking for. His pass-rush win rate ranks among the top 25 of the league, making him one of the most coveted free agents in the league.