Offseason Move: Lions Defender to Join Jets
As things stand now, the Detroit Lions will have 27 free agents to make decisions on next offseason, with the majority of them being unrestricted free agents.
One of those unrestricted-free-agents-to-be is former second-round pick and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, who is in the midst of a breakout year with the Lions after a disappointing first three years in the league.
The Washington product dealt with injury in that span, and he wasn’t very effective when on the field. However, you could see Onwuzurike was turning the corner in training camp and during the preseason, and that has translated to success during the regular season.
If Onwuzurike can continue going in the same direction, there will be plenty of teams interested in bringing him in via free agency next offseason. Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department believes the New York Jets will be one of them.
Through eight games, Onwuzurike has tallied 1.5 sacks, seven QB hits and 23 total pressures, all of which are career-highs. He has also been effective against the run, posting a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 62.3, also a career-high.
Onwuzurike, who is on the final year of his $8.1 million rookie deal, has proven to be a versatile piece for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, as he’s played on the inside and on the edge.
The Lions will likely want to keep Onwuzurike, but if he gets himself a solid offer from another team, Detroit may balk with all the money they’re already spending (Alim McNeill and DJ Reader) and will eventually have to spend (Aidan Hutchinson) upfront.
New York is certainly a logical potential suitor for Onwuzurike. Javon Kinlaw is only on a one-year deal, so Quinnen Williams may need a new running mate in 2025. Onwuzurike would definitely be an adequate replacement.
