The Detroit Lions are bringing back DT Levi Onwuzurike on a short, team-friendly deal.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions are re-signing defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike to a 1-year $5.5 million contract extension.

Onwuzurike was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft (the first of the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell regime) with high expectations. Unfortunately, Onwuzurike was plagued by a back injury during his rookie season and missed his second NFL season entirely because of the injury. In year three, Onwuzuriek continued to work his way back from his injury but still only managed to play in just 10 games. Last season, now fully healthy, Onwuzurike flashed the potential the Lions hoped to see when they drafted him and he has a career year, contributing both at defensive tackle and defensive end.

In his 42 game appearances, he earned 10 starts (all in 2024), and registered 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. He’ll have an opportunity in 2025 to prove he has put his injury woes behind him and is capable of earning a longer and more lucrative contract in the future.

The Lions defensive line room now has the following players under contract for 2025: Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Roy Lopez (not official), Mekhi Wingo, Brodric Martin, Myles Adams, Chris Smith, Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Isaac Ukwu, and Nate Lynn.