Lions $8 million breakout defender predicted to leave Detroit for Eagles

The Detroit Lions have been one of the best teams in football this season, as Dan Campbell's squad finished with a record of 15-2 and clinched the NFC North title and No.1 seed in the conference after notching a 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. Due to being the NFC's top team during the regular season, Detroit will have a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

The Lions' roster is filled with stars on both sides of the ball, but one player who doesn't get enough praise for their importance to the team is defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. The 26-year-old played 16 games and started 10 contests for Detroit during the regular season and has been one of the better defensive linemen on the team.

Onwuzurike will be a free agent this offseason, and if the Lions aren't able to retain the talented defensive tackle, PFF's Bradley Locker predicts Onwuzurike will land with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Philadelphia has depth at both edge rusher and interior defender, plus would likely add more via the draft," Locker wrote. "But signing another defensive lineman wouldn't be a bad idea. Onwuzurike enjoyed the best season of his three-year career and would pair nicely with Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo if Howie Roseman can't retain the coveted (Milton) Williams."

Onwuzurike posted 1.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures this season and also totaled 18 defensive stops and a 69.4 PFF Grade. The 2021 second-round pick would be a fantastic addition to an Eagles' defensive line that needs another playmaker on the interior. 

There is a ton of uncertainty surrounding the defensive tackle position in Detroit. Alim McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 15, and D.J. Reader is getting older and will be a free agent next offseason. Retaining Onwuzurike should be an offseason focus for general manager Brad Holmes, but if the former Washington standout departs the Motor City in free agency in March, Philadelphia would be a fascinating landing spot for the young defensive tackle