The Detroit Lions added depth to their defensive line this offseason through the draft and free agency, which might lead to some difficult decisions when the final roster is established at the conclusion of the summer.
In an early forecast of the team’s final 53-man roster, SB Nation’s John Whiticar suggested that former second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike might fall short of the roster cut. Whiticar slotted sixth-round draft selection Mekhi Wingo into the fourth and last defensive tackle spot, edging out Onwuzurike following an injury-shortened stint in Detroit.
“The drafting of Wingo, meanwhile, makes Onwuzurike expendable, and it might be the final straw for the former second rounder,” Whiticar wrote.
Levi Onwuzurike Identified as Cut Candidate
Onwuzurike came to the Lions as a second-round pick in 2021, but struggled to carve out a significant role during the last three seasons. He appeared in 16 games his rookie season, but made just one sack and 35 total tackles.
Onwuzurike lost his second NFL season with a back injury, then returned in 2023 to an even smaller role than before. He appeared in 10 games last season, making one sack and five total tackles.
Others have identified Onwuzurike as a likely cut candidate this offseason. Christian Booher of SI.com’s All Lions speculated that the Lions could move on for cap savings.
“Onwuzurike has had an underwhelming start to his career after being a 2021 second-round pick,” Booher said in a statement. “A choice to part ways with the Washington product this summer would save just under $1.8 million in cap space.
“Onwuzurike still has the potential to be a key player for the Lions, therefore he may be difficult to replace. However, he was a healthy scratch at points and appeared in only 10 regular-season games.
Lions Make Additions to Defensive Line
The Lions strengthened their defensive line this summer, signing veteran D.J. Reader to a two-year contract. According to Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website, Reader, who will be 30 in July, is considered one of the league’s “most dominant interior defenders.”
“He has been terrific against the run throughout his career and can also provide some disruption in the passing game,” Twentyman said in a statement. “Though he only has 9.5 career sacks through eight seasons, he’s produced at least 32 pressures in each of the last three seasons.”
Reader stated that he was delighted to play alongside defensive lineman Alim McNeill.
“I’m excited to pair with him, see the things that he does well,” Reader went on to say. “I always watch him on film. I’m excited to just be around him and pick his brain about what he enjoys about the role. Every player has certain things they appreciate about playing D-tackle, and I have some things I enjoy, so I just want to chat to him about it, pick his brain, see what he’s up to, and see what our future holds.”
