The Detroit Lions possessed one of the top rosters in the league heading into this offseason, and it could be even stronger post-free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.
During free agency, the team signed dependable veteran cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox, along with valuable depth defensive lineman Roy Lopez.
Subsequently, in the draft, the team selected defensive lineman Tyleik Williams with a first-round pick and also secured potential starting guard Tate Ratledge in the second round.
Additional quality depth pieces were introduced, indicating that some veterans might lose their positions.
Sterling Xie from Pro Football Network has recently pinpointed one player from every team who might be a candidate for trade or release. For the Lions, Xie pinpointed defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike as a player who could be traded.
Concerning Onwuzurike and the Lions, Xie provided the subsequent
As Xie pointed out, Onwuzurike might be pushed out because of the heightened competition in the interior defensive line.
Onwuzurike did not land a significant contract this offseason, rejoining the Lions on a one-year, $4 million agreement. This inexpensive arrangement might make him simpler to trade than several of the other choices on the roster.
Nonetheless, as Xie highlighted, the Lions might be reluctant to part ways with Onwuzurike because of Alim McNeill’s injury situation. McNeill ruptured his ACL last December and may not be prepared for the beginning of the regular season.
Furthermore, there is no assurance that the newcomer Williams will be a prompt contributor. Additionally, fellow defensive lineman D.J. Reader is already 30 and might not be on the team following this season, whereas Onwuzurike is still only 27.
Although edge rusher might loom as a bigger need, the Detroit Lions now have plenty of beef on the interior of the defensive line. First-round DT Tyleik Williams profiles as a plug-and-play option from Day 1. D.J. Reader and Roy Lopez are reliable veteran run-stuffers as well, while big edge rushers like Brodric Martin and Josh Paschal can kick inside on passing downs.
The only question is the recovery timeline from Alim McNeill, as the Lions may not want to leave themselves short-handed on the interior if McNeill is expected to miss most of 2025. However, if Onwuzurike fails to impress in the preseason, the Lions might be better served getting a Day 3 pick in return instead of cutting him.
Roy Lopez also agreed to a lower salary than Onwuzurike and has been less effective in the NFL, meaning the team would probably part ways with him before Onwuzurike.
Nonetheless, if Xie is correct and the Lions wish to part ways with Onwuzurike, a market would probably emerge. Numerous teams are eager to improve their interior defensive line, so the Lions might probably obtain a mid-to-late round selection in the market.