Onwuzurike was able to negotiate with any team as he was an unrestricted free agent. The short-term contract suggests that teams across the league were uncertain about his reliability going forward. Since he had a very reliable 2024 season in which he played 17 of 18 games, likely the spinal fusion is the main concern.

The Lions are keeping one of their own along the defensive line. Shortly after the NFL's league year allowed players to get officially signed, the Lions locked up free agent DL Levi Onwuzurike to a deal.