List of the top five (5) Detroit Lions players who won’t be back next season

For various reasons, whether singular or multiple, these five players from the Lions will not be returning for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season concluded abruptly in the Divisional Round of the postseason, as the Washington Commanders demonstrated superiority across all aspects of the game.

The Lions will now turn their attention to the offseason sooner than anticipated, necessitating critical decisions regarding free agency. The fundamental structure of the roster is established and will persist in its current form, even as other players secure significant contracts; however, the components surrounding this nucleus will invariably undergo alterations each offseason.

The Lions possess several prominent free agents, many of whom they would undoubtedly prefer to retain. It is also acknowledged that General Manager Brad Holmes is adept at making swift adjustments when required, as evidenced by the trade of David Montgomery for Jamaal Williams two years prior. Furthermore, the Lions are poised to remain an attractive destination for free agents seeking to join the team.

Certain aspects of this matter are straightforward, while others are more complex and require a nuanced understanding. Regardless of the circumstances, it is evident that these five players from the Lions are unlikely to return for the upcoming season.

Five Lions players who are unlikely to return for the upcoming season.
5. DT Levi Onwuzurike demonstrated a return to full health this year, participating in 16 out of 17 regular season games, with 10 of those as a starter, and accumulating a total of 698 snaps played, inclusive of the postseason game. Certain aspects of his surface statistics were not particularly remarkable, totalling 28.

tackles and 1.5 sacks during the regular season), but he did have 13 quarterback hits and he was tied for 24th among defensive tackles in overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Alim McNeill’s status for the commencement of the upcoming season, attributable to a damaged right ACL, the Lions may be necessitated to re-sign the first defensive lineman selected in the 2021 draft. However, Onwuzurike is likely to attract a favourable market in free agency, having demonstrated his capabilities when in optimal health. He may have also exceeded the financial parameters that the Lions are prepared to allocate for his return. If this is the case, it would be straightforward to consider more economical alternatives to fulfil his position.

It is commendable that Onwuzurike maintained his health throughout the year and delivered an impressive performance. However,

This development significantly suggests that it is improbable he will continue as a Lion in the upcoming season, unless he is willing to accept a compensation package that is inferior in both duration and financial terms compared to what he could potentially secure elsewhere.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Alim McNeill’s status for the commencement of the upcoming season, attributable to a damaged right ACL, the Lions may be necessitated to re-sign the first defensive lineman selected in the 2021 draft. However, Onwuzurike is likely to attract a favourable market in free agency, having demonstrated his capabilities when in optimal health. He may have also exceeded the financial parameters that the Lions are prepared to allocate for his return. If this is the case, it would be straightforward to consider more economical alternatives to fulfil his position.

It is commendable that Onwuzurike maintained his health throughout the year and delivered an impressive performance. However, this development significantly diminishes the likelihood that he will continue as a Lion in the upcoming season, unless he is willing to accept a compensation package that is inferior in both duration and financial terms compared to what he might receive from other teams.