The New York Giants must strengthen the interior of their defensive line. While All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence remains the standout player in this unit as a dominant pass rusher and run stopper, the team has struggled with inconsistency alongside him, often rotating different players in the position this season.
To address this, adding another reliable, full-time starter to pair with Lawrence will be a key focus in the offseason. A potential affordable option to consider is Detroit Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, who is set to become a free agent.
Onwuzurike, who ranks as the 40th overall free agent according to Pro Football Focus, is expected to draw significant interest this offseason. With a notable presence as both a run defender and pass rusher, he is one of the top interior defensive linemen available. With around $45 million in cap space, the Giants could make a serious run at signing him.
In 2024, Onwuzurike posted 28 tackles and 13 quarterback hits, while his pass-rush win rate of 12.5% ranked in the top 15 among all interior defensive linemen. He also earned a solid 65.0 grade for his run defense.
Though Onwuzurike has shown potential, the Giants would need to consider his injury history—he missed the 2022 season due to a back injury and played only 10 games in 2023—before committing significant funds to him.
PFF estimates Onwuzurike could sign a two-year deal worth $16.5 million, averaging $8.25 million annually with $10 million guaranteed. Given the Giants’ available cap space, this could be an appealing option for them. With Lawrence recovering from a season-ending elbow injury, adding another solid starter to the defensive line alongside him would be a smart move for the Giants, and Onwuzurike presents an affordable and viable option.
