Defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike has been a potential cut candidate for the Detroit Lions for quite some time. Early in 2026 training camp, Onwuzurike hasn’t done anything to change that.
On Wednesday, SI on Lions’ Christian Booher named Onwuzurike to a list of three Lions veterans trending toward the roster bubble.
“Onwuzurike has been falling down the depth chart somewhat during camp. The veteran is back in Detroit after his contract tolled on account of him missing the entire season last year, and he has plenty to prove to make the team in 2026,” wrote Booher.
“When healthy, Onwuzurike brings a solid blend of athleticism and power. However, time will tell whether or not he can still bring it at a high level in 2026. The Lions have restocked some depth at the position, and as a result he’ll have to compete for the job.”
The Lions picked Onwuzurike at No. 41 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He missed all of last season because of an ACL injury.
In 2024, he had 28 combined tackles, including one for loss. Onwuzurike also had 13 quarterback hits and one forced fumble.
Lions’ Levi Onwuzurike Still on Chopping Block
GettyThe Detroit Lions selected Levi Onwuzurike in the second round.
As previously mentioned, discussing whether the Lions could part with Onwuzurike is nothing new. The 28-year-old has largely disappointed as a second-round pick.
In 42 NFL games, he has posted 3.5 sacks with four tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits. Onwuzurike has never had more than a 1.5 sacks or two tackles for loss in a single season.
The defensive lineman has also dealt with several serious injuries. In 2022, he missed the entire campaign because of a back ailment. Onwuzurike entered 2026 training camp haven’t played since 2024 because of his ACL tear.
In March 2025, the Lions did find it worthwhile to re-sign the defensive lineman to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal. Clearly, something with Onwuzurike has the Lions continuing to believe in the defensive lineman.
But it would also be understand for the team to decide to move on if Onwuzurike doesn’t show something significant in the preseason.
Lions Defensive Line Depth at Training Camp
GettyLions on SI’s Christian Booher argued defensive line Levi Onwuzurike is on the roster bubble early in NFL training camp.
The other main reason Onwuzurike appears to be on the chopping block is the depth the Lions have built along the defensive line.
Detroit should start Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams at defensive tackle this season. Behind them, Onwuzurike is expected to help provide depth to replace departed D.J. Reader.
But the Lions also have Tyler Lacy, who has performed well at training camp. Detroit is also developing youngsters Mekhi Wingo, Skyler Gill-Howard and Aidan Keanaaina along the defensive line interior.
Gill-Howard and Keanaaina are both rookies. Neither was a top drafted prospect either, as Gill-Howard was a sixth-rounder and Keanaaina signed as an undrafted free agent.
The Lions might not want to trust them for significant snaps this fall. But if they decide that’s a route worth pursuing, then Onwuzurike would be expendable.
Lions Former 2nd-Round Selection Pegged Cut Candidate