Rumors Swirl: Lions’ Breakout Defender Could Be Headed to Chargers
One of the most pleasant surprises of the Detroit Lions‘ 2024 campaign has been the improved play of former second-round pick and defensive lineman, Levi Onwuzurike.
After a poor start to his career that was plagued by injury and ineffectiveness, the Washington product showed signs that he was turning the corner during the offseason, and Onwuzurike has since proven that was no mirage.
The 26-year-old has shown improvement as a run defender and pass-rusher and has surpassed his career-highs in sacks and pressures, with 1.5 and 29, respectively. As a result of his improved play, Onwuzurike has been on the field for 61% of snaps, the highest share of his career.
Unfortunately, the Lions may only get to enjoy the new Onwuzurike for one season, as he’s set to become a free agent in 2025 and could attract plenty of attention following his resurgence in 2024.
With so much invested in the defensive line already, Detroit may not retain him. If that happens, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes Onwuzurike could end up with the Los Angeles Chargers.
If all things are equal, one thing the Chargers can offer Onwuzurike that the Lions can’t is a full-time starting job.
Detroit has its interior spots locked up in 2025 with D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill, although Reader will be a free agent in 2026. Meanwhile, the Chargers have multiple starters set to hit free agency.
Whatever the case may be, with the kind of interest Onwuzurike is likely to draw in free agency, there’s a chance he won’t be back in Detroit next year, and the Chargers are a realistic landing spot for him.
