The Detroit Lions are meeting expectations in 2024, as Dan Campbell's squad is 7-1 and atop the NFC North through eight games.
Detroit picked up a crucial road 24-14 road victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 9 and will travel to NRG Stadium to face off against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football in Week 10.
Despite losing starting edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport for the season, the Lions' defense continues to show steady growth (and is now getting a reinforcement in Za'Darius Smith). Green Bay's offense looked flustered for most of Sunday's contest, as Aaron Glenn's unit held the potent offense to just 14 points and 3-of-12 on third downs.
One of the biggest standouts on the defense is defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. The 26-year-old struggled with injuries and lack of playing time in his first three seasons but is experiencing a breakout year in 2024 as he prepares to hit unrestricted free agency next offseason.
The Lions should make re-signing Onwuzurike a top offseason priority, but Bleacher Report's Scouting Department believes the San Francisco 49ers could lure the young defender out of Detroit.
"The 49ers have taken some hits at defensive tackle this season, as Javon Hargrave is on injured reserve and Kevin Givens has popped up on the injury report recently. So, it would be smart for San Francisco to invest some cap space at defensive tackle (in 2025(, even if it is for more of a depth piece. Onwuzurike can at least provide some pass-rush help off the bench which is essentially the role he's playing this season in Detroit."
Onwuzurike, who has moved into more of a starting role in recent weeks would be a perfect fit in San Francisco and immediately step in as a starter on the team's weak defensive line. The former Washington standout has posted 1.5 sacks and 23 quarterback pressures this season and has also totaled ten defensive stops.
The 49ers will have over $36 million in cap space this offseason, which ranks No. 19 in the NFL, per Spotrac. Though Onwuzurike will have a competitive market, general manager John Lynch still has some resources to present an attractive offer to the rising star.
Overall, the Lions must do all they can to retain Onwuzurike, but San Francisco would be an intriguing landing spot for the 2021 second-round pick.
