All things considered, the Detroit Lions had a decent defense last season. However, "decent" isn't good enough for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, especially in the stacked NFC North, arguably the most competitive division in football.
That's why general manager Brad Holmes might have to make some tough decisions before the start of the season. Of course, that includes shedding some dead weight and making room for the players who cannot be trusted to make an impact.
That might be the case with DT Levi Onwuzurike. The former second-round pick has shown flashes of dominance, but after missing two seasons in five years in the league, they may not be as optimistic about him as they once were.
Levi Onwuzurike is running out of time to save his Detroit Lions carer
Availability is the best of abilities, especially in a league with limited roster spots. Onwuzurike has dealt with major knee and back injuries, and while he's just 28, the former Washington star might never be fully healthy.
The Lions kept him on a one-year deal last offseason, but he couldn't play in 2025 because of a torn ACL. Now, with Jay Tufele joining the team, plus Alim McNeil and Tyleik Williams, Onwuzurike is the most obvious odd man out.
So far, he's played in 42 of 68 potential games, making 10 starts. He's logged a grand total of 68 tackles (35 solo), including four tackles for loss. He also has 16 QB hits, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
Notably, advanced stats show why the Lions might still want him around. Pro Football Focus gave him a 70.3 overall grade in his last healthy season, crediting him with 30 hurries and 20 run stops. Also, he's one of the few guys in his position who can easily go from a one-gap 3- and 1-tech as well as a two-gap 0-tech nose tackle. He's dynamic and good against both the run and the pass, and plays way above his height and size to hold his ground against bigger offensive linemen.
That said, his traits are essentially meaningless if he can't play.
He's been dealing with injuries since his college days, so it's hard to believe he's all of a sudden going to be healthy as he grows older. It takes much more than just talent to succeed in the pros, and while it's hard to blame him for getting hurt so often, this is a business first and foremost.
Someone else might take their chances on him, but the Lions can't afford to take unnecessary risks after a disappointing season.
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