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11 Lions Whose Time in Detroit Will End After Divisional Round Loss

Detroit's quest for a Super Bowl title officially ended this weekend. As a result, these 11 Lions likely won't return to the Motor City next season.

By Devon Platana

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) warms up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) warms up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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11. Levi Onwuzurike, DT

Drafted 41st overall by the Lions in 2011, Levi Onwuzurike is someone whose potential has been limited by injuries. The former Washington defender missed the entire 2022 campaign due to a back injury, forcing him to play a smaller role in 2023.

After having last offseason to focus on fully healing, Onwuzurike finally showed what he was capable of this season.

Playing 16 games for the first time since his rookie year, the 26-year-old edge rusher racked up career-highs in solo tackles (16) and sacks (1.5) while also forcing a fumble. Onwuzurike displayed his versatility by finishing as a top-30 exterior defender regarding run defense and pass rushing, leaving Lions fans wanting more of the same in 2025 and beyond.

Whether or not the Lions re-sign Onwuzurike in free agency remains to be seen. As effective as the fourth-year defensive playmaker was, there's a good chance that interested suitors will be willing to pay him above his market value. If his asking price rises beyond an unreasonable number, the Lions won't hesitate to walk away from negotiations.

As great as Onwuzurike was, it makes sense that the Lions might be hesitant to award a long-term, big-money contract to a player who's missed 25 games in the last three seasons.

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