Brad Holmes' first big test as general manager of the Detroit Lions came during the 2021 NFL Draft. That was his first draft as the team's GM and would set the tone for the rest of his tenure.
It's safe to say it went pretty well as that draft class produced a pair of All-Pros and plenty of other contributors.
With that success, it's no surprise that Holmes seems to be a bit attached to that draft class.
Before the 2025 NFL offseason, the Lions had already signed long-term extensions with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Alim McNeil.
Then they locked Derrick Barnes down for three more years before free agency began.
Now free agency has officially opened up and the Lions have agreed to a deal that will keep another member of the class with the team.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Lions have agreed to a one-year deal with defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike that is worth $5.5 million.
The Lions selected Onwuzurike in the second round of the 2021 draft.
It took a little while for the pick to pan out, but Onwuzurike is currently coming off of the best season of his NFL career.
According to Pro Football Focus, Onwuzurike finished 15th among defensive tackles in 2024 with 45 total pressures.
The Lions have clearly been focused on maintaining a strong rotation on the interior of their defensive line as they signed former Cardinals DT Roy Lopez less than 24 hours before this move.
With Lopez and Onwuzurike joining McNeil and D.J. Reader, it seems the Lions have the middle of their defensive line set for the 2025 season.
