The Rise of Interior Pressure in the NFL: The Case for Levi Onwuzurike

The Value of a Dominant Pass Rush

The best defenses in the NFL are those that consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This was evident during the 2024 season when seven of the top ten teams in sack rate made the playoffs, including the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. While edge rushers have long been considered the primary pass-rushing weapons, the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior is becoming increasingly valuable.

Teams that can generate pressure up the middle not only force quarterbacks into the waiting arms of edge rushers but also disrupt their ability to step up or maneuver in the pocket. This growing emphasis on interior pressure has made defensive linemen with pass-rushing versatility highly sought after in free agency.

Levi Onwuzurike: A Versatile Defensive Weapon

One of the most intriguing free agents entering the 2025 offseason is Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike. He is a rare talent who can generate pressure from the inside while also lining up across the defensive line to create mismatches. His ability to impact the game from multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for any defense.

During the 2024 season, Onwuzurike posted a 10.8% pressure rate, outperforming some of the league’s top interior defensive linemen, including Zach Allen, Jalen Carter, Vita Vea, and Jeffery Simmons. Despite finishing the season with only 1.5 sacks, his ability to collapse the pocket and command double teams significantly contributed to Detroit’s defensive success.

At 27 years old and entering his prime, Onwuzurike possesses the skill set to continue improving and cement himself as one of the premier interior pass rushers in the league.

The Injury Concern That Clouds His Market Value

While Onwuzurike’s production is impressive, his injury history remains a critical factor in evaluating his free agency value. He played through pain during his rookie season in 2021 but suffered a severe back injury in 2022 that required spinal fusion surgery.

The procedure, known as an L5-S1 fusion, involves removing a damaged disc and stabilizing the spinal bones with hardware. This type of surgery can significantly impact an athlete’s mobility and durability, raising concerns about Onwuzurike’s ability to maintain peak performance over the long term.

After missing the entire 2022 season, he returned in 2023 but played only 132 defensive snaps in 10 games, averaging just 13.2 snaps per game. However, his 2024 campaign was a step in the right direction, proving he could still contribute at a high level.

What Is Onwuzurike’s True Market Value?

Determining Onwuzurike’s market value is challenging due to his mix of potential and injury concerns. Spotrac currently projects his market value at $4.5 million per year, which seems too low given his talent. Pro Football Focus suggests a two-year deal worth $8.25 million annually, which is more reasonable. Some NFL salary analysts estimate his value at $14 million per year, but that figure carries significant risk due to his injury history.

A one-year “prove-it” deal in the $8-$9.5 million range, with performance-based incentives, would be the ideal contract for Onwuzurike outside of Detroit. This structure allows him to maximize his earnings if he remains healthy while minimizing risk for the team that signs him. If he has another strong season, he could position himself for a lucrative long-term deal in 2026.

The Perfect Fit for Onwuzurike

Onwuzurike’s skill set makes him a valuable chess piece in the right defensive scheme. He is not the kind of player a team should build its entire defensive line around, but rather a versatile disruptor who can create opportunities for teammates. A team with a strong defensive coordinator who can maximize his strengths will benefit the most from his presence.

For the right price and in the right system, Levi Onwuzurike has the potential to be one of the best value signings of the 2025 free agency period. If he can stay healthy and build on his 2024 performance, he could be in line for a major payday in the near future.