Just when we thought the Lions were done with roster moves by adding Tom Kennedy, they proved us wrong. This time, it raises more questions than it provides answers. Let’s briefly dig in to this cut, and what it may mean moving forward. As we all know, things are not always as they seem.
The Lions announced that they have cut DT Levi Onwuzurike this afternoon via their official account on X. Now the Lions have made surprising cuts before in what is commonly referred to as roster gymnastics. The question is, is this roster gymnastics, or the end of the road for an up and down defensive tackle? Levi has looked at times like a quality rotational piece and sometimes like a practice squad player. He has dealt with spinal fusion surgery and come back, definitely a gritty move, but which is it?
I personally suspect this is roster gymnastics. Levi didn’t look especially good in camp this year. Furthermore, there may be contractual obligations that the Lions can shirk by moving Levi to the practice squad. The Lions aren’t exactly light at DT, so perhaps it is worth the risk to save some money. The Lions are currently very tight in cap space, and that may play a part too.
We won’t really know until the next hours and days play out. At the end of the day, this is part of the fun of the regular season. The ebb and flow of the roster. If it is the end for Levi, then I wish him well. Coming back from spinal fusion and looking good afterwards is no small feat, and no one can suggest Levi didn’t give it his all.
Skyler Gill Howard is to blame, but I would not be surprised if more moves are planned to get him back.