Detroit Lions’ Defensive Line: A Closer Look at the Interior Unit in 2024

The Detroit Lions’ defensive line saw a powerful duo leading the charge in 2024: Alim McNeill and DJ Reader. Together, they formed a formidable interior presence, combining for 6.5 sacks, 49 quarterback hurries, and 65 total pressures throughout the season.

Both McNeill and Reader remain under contract with Detroit, ensuring their presence on the defensive front for at least another year. McNeill is locked in until 2028, while Reader is set to stay through 2025. However, the depth behind these two standout players remains a major question mark heading into the upcoming season.

With that in mind, let’s take a deep dive into the contract statuses and performances of Detroit’s interior defensive linemen from the 2024 season.

Alim McNeill: The Anchor of the Defensive Line

McNeill continued his impressive development in 2024, following up his breakout 2023 campaign with another strong showing. He recorded 3.5 sacks, 38 quarterback hurries, and 45 total pressures, earning a stellar 79.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

His contract runs through 2028, with a cap hit of $6,136,000 for the upcoming season and $24,000,000 in remaining guarantees. The Lions can rely on McNeill as a foundational piece of their defense for years to come.

DJ Reader: A Solid First Year in Detroit

In his first season with the Lions, Reader provided a steady presence alongside McNeill. Over 15 games, he totaled three sacks and 20 pressures, proving to be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defensive front.

Reader is under contract through 2025, carrying a $12,243,000 cap hit next season, along with $4,972,000 in remaining guarantees. His experience and consistency will be crucial as Detroit continues to build its defensive identity.

Levi Onwuzurike: A Strong Case for a New Deal?

Onwuzurike played a significant role in 2024, appearing in 16 games and starting 10. His production included 1.5 sacks, 29 quarterback hurries, and 45 total pressures, earning him a respectable 69.4 PFF grade.

With his contract expiring, Onwuzurike is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Given his contributions, it wouldn’t be surprising if general manager Brad Holmes opts to bring him back on a new deal.

Pat O’Connor: A Likely Departure?

O’Connor served as one of Detroit’s key rotational linemen, but his impact was limited. In 12 games, he managed just one sack, nine quarterback hurries, and 10 total pressures, leading to a disappointing 43.5 PFF grade.

At 31 years old and set to hit free agency, O’Connor’s future with the Lions is uncertain. Given his underwhelming performance, the team may choose to part ways and seek depth elsewhere.

Mekhi Wingo: A Rookie with Potential

As a sixth-round pick in 2024, Wingo saw action in 11 games, recording nine total tackles and five pressures. His PFF grade of 52.6 suggests room for improvement, but he remains a promising prospect for Detroit’s future.

Wingo is signed through 2027, with a $1,006,700 cap hit in 2025 and $140,100 in guarantees. With more development, he could grow into a valuable depth piece.

Kyle Peko: End of the Road in Detroit?

Peko’s 2024 season was cut short by injury, limiting him to just five games and two tackles. Now facing unrestricted free agency, his future with the Lions is in doubt.

Given his limited impact and injury concerns, it seems likely that Peko has played his last game in a Detroit uniform.

Brodric Martin: Minimal Contributions Once Again

For the second consecutive season, Martin struggled to find playing time, appearing in just two games. He remains under contract through 2026, with a $1,446,568 cap hit for 2025 and $428,756 in remaining guarantees.

Unless he makes significant strides, Martin may continue to be a fringe roster player in the years ahead.

Myles Adams: A Late-Season Addition

Adams joined the Lions late in the season and played in four games, registering four tackles and a sack. His efforts earned him a 57.6 PFF grade.

Set to be a restricted free agent, Adams could draw interest from other teams. If another franchise extends an offer, the Lions will have the option to match it and retain him.

Chris Smith: A Developmental Project

An undrafted free agent in 2023, Smith appeared in five games before ending the season on the practice squad. He has since signed a futures contract, meaning he won’t count against the salary cap until free agency begins.

Smith will carry a $960,000 cap hit in 2025, but his role on the roster remains uncertain.

Final Thoughts: The Lions’ Interior D-Line Moving Forward

While McNeill and Reader provide a strong foundation for Detroit’s defensive front, the depth behind them remains a concern. Onwuzurike’s potential re-signing could offer stability, but beyond that, the Lions must make key decisions on rotational players and explore new options in free agency or the draft.

Detroit’s defensive success in 2025 will largely depend on maintaining a solid interior presence. Whether through internal development or external acquisitions, strengthening this unit should be a top priority for the Lions as they aim for greater defensive dominance next season.