2025 Chicago Bears Free Agent Target: Levi Onwuzurike

Eamon Horwedel - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - 10 hours ago

When you look back at the Superbowl a few weeks ago, there were many things to dissect during that game. Not only did it show what the Bears need to do to get back into playoff contention, but it was also a clinic on why strong play in the trenches is crucial to a team's success.

Not only did the Eagles dominate the line of scrimmage on offense by keeping Jalen Hurts upright, but they embarrassed the Chiefs offensive line as they continuously created pressure without blitzing. Anytime that happens, it shows how much you're dominating up front, and the Eagles were used to that by season's end.

Of all the things that went wrong for the Bears last season, controlling the line of scrimmage was the biggest issue, as both their offensive and defensive lines were an issue. That wasn't a surprise when you look at how bad the offensive line has been in recent seasons, but after what Montez Sweat did in 2023, their lack of QB pressure in 2024 was a huge disappointment.

Even if targeting offensive line help is the team's top priority, and rightfully so, the Bears can't neglect the defensive side of the ball. They need to generate far more of a pass rush next season. Enter Levi Onwuzurike into the conversation. The former Detroit Lion is not only a free agent but could be sought after as one of the more coveted pass rushers in the game.

In an era where connections matter in this game, Onwuzurike has a significant connection to the Bears, which falls on Head Coach Ben Johnson. While Johnson wasn't his coach directly in Detroit, the two have been together for the past few seasons, so you know there is some familiarity in play. Not as well known as some players in this league, Onwuzurike has stepped up his game in recent seasons, but it was this past season that the 26-year-old took his game to the next level to become one of the more coveted pass rushers in this year's free agent class.

At 6-3 290 pounds, Onwuzurike is a tad small for a defensive lineman, but with so many teams using smaller players to fill an Edge rusher role, he can move around. The 2021 second-round pick hasn't produced at the level you would expect a second-rounder to, but he continues to improve from one season to the next, and that is all you can ask for from any young player.

Onwuzurike was limited to 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks this past season as he spent parts of the season dealing with injuries. That was an all too common theme for the Lions this year, as virtually every player on the defensive side of the ball dealt with injuries at some point. While this season wasn't his best, Onwuzurike has put together a strong career in his three seasons with Detroit, showing he can have a more prominent role when he signs his next contract.

Not only has he logged 68 career tackles since breaking into the league, but he also has 3.5 sacks as he has continued to see a more prominent role each season. While those numbers would not be considered elite, Onwuzurike hasn't had a big enough role to be depended on, which could all change this season.

Given that this is the first time he is hitting free agency look for him to go for the best offer, as this could be the only massive deal he signs. As is the case with every significant deal, the pressure comes with it, as Onwuzurike will have a ton of pressure to live up to the contract he signs.

Should the Bears be one of the teams looking at him, expect him to land a contract of three to four years, which is a long commitment for a player like him. If that is the deal he is expected to sign, Onuzurike will have a ton of pressure to live up to the agreement, but it's the pressure that keeps him going as he plays with a chip on his shoulder.