Lions’ Tough Decision: How Much Is Levi Onwuzurike Worth?
The Detroit Lions are facing a significant decision regarding the future of one of their key defensive players, Levi Onwuzurike. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, discussions have intensified around Onwuzurike’s value to the team and the potential terms of his next contract. The Detroit Lions have had a tumultuous history with their defensive line, but Onwuzurike has shown promise since being drafted in 2021. So, the question arises: How much is Levi Onwuzurike worth to the Lions? This article explores Onwuzurike’s career, his potential impact on the team, and what his next contract might look like.
The Background: A Promising Start
Levi Onwuzurike was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, selected 41st overall. The Lions had been looking for a disruptive force on their defensive line for years, and Onwuzurike was considered one of the top interior defensive linemen in the draft class. Coming out of the University of Washington, Onwuzurike impressed scouts with his strength, quickness, and ability to both rush the passer and defend the run. He was viewed as a versatile and athletic defensive tackle who could make an immediate impact in the NFL.
However, his first few years in Detroit have been a bit of a mixed bag. Onwuzurike showed flashes of his potential but also struggled with consistency and injuries. His rookie season was somewhat limited due to injuries, but he was still able to make an impression in the games he played. In 2022, he was again hampered by injuries, leading many to wonder whether his injury history would continue to hold him back.
Despite these challenges, Onwuzurike has shown enough potential to suggest that he could be a key piece of the Lions’ defensive future. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and his skill at stopping the run make him an important player for Detroit’s defensive line. With the Lions focusing on building a strong defense, particularly after the arrival of head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Onwuzurike’s development could prove crucial to the team’s success moving forward.
The Case for Levi Onwuzurike
Levi Onwuzurike has undeniable talent, and there are several reasons why the Detroit Lions should consider him a key piece of their future. To understand why Onwuzurike might be worth a lucrative contract extension, let’s explore his potential and value in greater detail.
1. Pass Rush Potential
Onwuzurike has the ability to rush the passer from the interior, which is a highly valuable skill in today’s NFL. In recent seasons, defensive tackles who can generate pressure up the middle have become increasingly important as quarterbacks get the ball out faster and offensive lines become more adept at handling edge rushers. Onwuzurike’s quickness and strength make him a potential disruptor in the pocket, which can open up opportunities for the Lions’ edge rushers as well. A consistent interior pass rush can change the dynamic of a defense and elevate the entire unit’s performance.
In 2022, Onwuzurike showed glimpses of his pass-rush potential, recording pressures and sacks despite his injury issues. Over the course of a full season, Onwuzurike has the potential to develop into a consistent force inside. His ability to collapse the pocket and create chaos for opposing quarterbacks could be an asset the Lions are unwilling to overlook.
2. Run Defense
In addition to his pass-rushing ability, Onwuzurike has demonstrated that he can contribute significantly in run defense. Defensive tackles who can clog up running lanes and eat up blockers are vital to a team’s ability to stop the run. The Lions have struggled with stopping the run in recent years, and Onwuzurike could be a key figure in improving this aspect of their defense.
Onwuzurike’s ability to anchor against double teams and disengage from blockers is crucial for a defensive line that needs to become more stout. If he can continue to improve in this area, it would make him an invaluable asset to a team looking to build a tough, physical defense.
3. Position Flexibility
One of Onwuzurike’s key attributes is his versatility along the defensive line. He has shown that he can play multiple spots on the interior, which provides defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn with a variety of ways to deploy him. Onwuzurike has the ability to line up as a 3-technique defensive tackle, a position that requires quickness and the ability to penetrate the backfield, but he can also line up as a 1-technique, which is a more traditional nose tackle role that focuses on occupying blockers and clogging up running lanes.
This positional flexibility makes Onwuzurike an attractive option for the Lions, who may want to create different looks on defense depending on the situation. His ability to contribute in multiple roles allows the team to maximize his potential and integrate him into different defensive schemes.
4. Upside and Youth
Onwuzurike is still a relatively young player with a lot of untapped potential. At just 24 years old, he has the opportunity to continue developing his skills and reach his full potential. While injuries have slowed his progress, the Lions have shown a commitment to player development under head coach Dan Campbell, and Onwuzurike may just need more time to grow into his role.
Given his age and the upside he has shown in flashes, Onwuzurike’s long-term value to the Lions could be significant. If he can stay healthy and continue to improve, he could become one of the top interior defensive linemen in the league.
The Case Against Paying Levi Onwuzurike
Despite the potential that Onwuzurike has shown, there are also several factors that could make the Lions hesitant to offer him a large contract extension at this point in his career. Let’s explore some of the concerns that might influence their decision.
1. Injury History
Perhaps the most significant concern with Onwuzurike is his injury history. He has been plagued by injuries since entering the NFL, and this has led to him missing games and limiting his impact on the field. While injuries are not always a predictor of future health, they can be a significant red flag for teams when considering a long-term investment.
The Lions cannot afford to commit a large portion of their salary cap to a player who may not be able to stay healthy. If Onwuzurike continues to deal with injuries, his value to the team diminishes significantly. The Lions have to weigh the risk of a potential injury-prone player against his upside.
2. Inconsistency
While Onwuzurike has flashed brilliance at times, his overall consistency has been an issue. He has struggled with maintaining a high level of play from week to week, and this has prevented him from becoming a truly dominant force on the defensive line. NFL teams are always looking for players who can perform at a high level consistently, and Onwuzurike has yet to prove that he can be counted on week in and week out.
If the Lions were to commit a significant amount of money to Onwuzurike, they would need to see more consistency from him. One of the challenges in valuing Onwuzurike is projecting whether he can be the type of player who delivers on a regular basis, or whether he will remain a player who has flashes of brilliance but is ultimately inconsistent.
3. Depth on the Defensive Line
Another consideration for the Lions is the depth of their defensive line. The team has made significant strides in improving the talent and depth on the defensive front in recent years. With players like Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston, and others contributing to the pass rush, the Lions may feel that Onwuzurike’s role on the team could be reduced if they continue to add talent to the defensive line.
If the Lions have multiple options at defensive tackle, they may be less inclined to pay a premium for Onwuzurike, especially if they believe that they can get similar production from other players at a lower cost. The depth of the defensive line could give the team leverage in contract negotiations.
4. Contract Negotiations and Salary Cap
The salary cap is always a concern for NFL teams, and the Lions will need to balance Onwuzurike’s value with the financial constraints they face. Offering a lucrative contract extension to Onwuzurike would take up a significant portion of their salary cap space, which could limit their ability to make other moves to improve the roster.
The Lions will have to consider whether Onwuzurike’s production justifies a large investment. Given the uncertainty surrounding his health and consistency, the team may decide that it is better to hold off on a big extension until he can prove he is worth the financial commitment.
What Could a Contract Look Like?
If the Lions do decide to extend Levi Onwuzurike, the terms of the contract will likely depend on several factors, including his performance in 2024 and his ability to stay healthy. Assuming Onwuzurike shows significant improvement and consistency, the Lions could offer him a contract that reflects his potential as a key part of their defense.
At this point, Onwuzurike is likely looking at a multi-year extension worth anywhere from $10 million to $15 million per year, depending on his performance and the terms of the contract. This would place him in the range of average starting defensive tackles in the NFL. If he can prove himself to be a top-tier player, he could command even more, but the Lions will need to see a more consistent and healthy player before making that kind of commitment.
Conclusion: A Tough Decision for the Lions
The Detroit Lions face a tough decision regarding Levi Onwuzurike’s future with the team. While he has shown flashes of potential, injuries and inconsistency have raised questions about his long-term value. The Lions will need to balance his upside with the risks associated with his injury history and inconsistent play. Ultimately, Onwuzurike’s next contract will likely depend on his performance in 2024 and his ability to stay healthy. If he can put together a strong season, the Lions will likely reward him with a long-term deal. If not, they may choose to move on and focus on other areas of their defensive line.
For now, the Lions’ decision on Onwuzurike’s future remains one of the key storylines of the offseason. The team must determine whether he is worth the risk or whether they will need to continue their search for a dominant force on the defensive line.