Breaking news: Lions Announce plans to Re-sign a resurgent defender.

As stipulated in the contract: EDGE: Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn, Za’Darius Smith, Josh Paschal, and Aidan Hutchinson (reserve/futures) DL: Brodric Martin, Chris Smith (reserve/futures), Mekhi Wingo, DJ Reader, and Alim McNeill

Deals that are about to expire: EDGE: Mitchell Agude, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Marcus Davenport, and John Cominsky (ERFA) DL: Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko, Jonah Williams, Myles Adams (RFA), Pat O’Connor

Top free agents available: EDGE DL Milton Williams (Eagles), EDGE Josh Sweat (Eagles), EDGE Joey Bosa (Chargers), and Khalil Mack (Chargers) Koonce, Malcolm (Raiders)

Possible Lions fits are DL Calais Campbell (Dolphins), EDGE Chase Young (Saints), and EDGE DL Poona Ford (Chargers), Matthew Judon (Falcons), and EDGE Hoecht Michael (Rams), DT Rams’ Neville Gallimore, EDGE DL Javon Kinlaw (Jets), Tanoh Kpassagnon (Saints)

The Lions’ ability to re-sign Levi Onwuzurike, their plans for Za’Darius Smith’s deal, and whether Aidan Hutchinson will be able to sign his big-time extension sooner rather than later are the main internal issues.

This free agency class shouldn’t surprise anyone, so it’s fortunate that everyone agrees that this year’s defensive line draft class is stacked. The wisest course of action before the draft appears to be to re-sign Levi Onwuzurike, retain Smith, and add some depth pieces.

In Detroit, Onwuzurike was selected in the second round of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s inaugural draft class. the would be the sixth extension for the foundational-building 2021 class, assuming the two parties can agree on terms.

Additionally, Onwuzurike lost a significant amount of time due to back operations and injuries, but he returned in 2023 and resumed playing a full schedule before making a big splash in 2024. Despite all the injuries, he was crucial in chewing up important defensive end and interior snaps. One of the few players applying pressure to the shorthanded defense was Onwuzurike. It would be strange if Onwuzurike left for free agency after the Lions waited three years to get this out of him.

Is Onwuzurike’s contract worth the $16.5 million over two years that Pro Football Focus projects? Because there isn’t much top talent available, the Lions should seize this opportunity to up the price of that agreement.

Al-Quadin Muhammad returning to the area would likewise not be shocking. The 29-year-old was one of those guys who seized the chance, recording three sacks in nine games and two starts.

At the top of the edge rusher market are Khalil Mack and the freshly freed Joey Bosa.

With outstanding results against the run, Mack, 34, was one of the finest at his position and had a spectacular season with the Chargers. Mack still has enough left in his tank, even though his pressures and sacks were down. The Lions would be smart to see how much Mack is considering, especially with all the talk about acquiring a well-known pass rusher through the trade market.

The contract may be shorter in years at this point in his career, and the renowned defender may be searching for a chance with a contender. Mack’s style is appropriate and would improve this defense.