Full Breakdown
Detroit Lions Defensive Linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal Remain Under Contract for 2026
2/3/2026, 1:56:08 AM
Contractual Implications of Injuries
The Detroit Lions have retained defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and defensive end Josh Paschal for the 2026 NFL season due to specific provisions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Onwuzurike, who signed a one-year contract worth $4 million with potential bonuses totaling $5.5 million, suffered a season-ending ACL injury before the 2025 training camp. As a result, his contract has tolled, meaning it will carry over to the 2026 season. According to Article 20, Section 2 of the CBA, a player in the final year of their contract who is placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list will have their contract tolled if they remain unable to perform by the sixth regular season game and are not reinstated.
Paschal, who also faced injury challenges, missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to a non-football injury. His contract will similarly toll into 2026, but with different terms. While Onwuzurike's base salary for 2026 is guaranteed at $1.5 million, Paschal's base salary of $1 million is not guaranteed.
Performance and Injury Background
Levi Onwuzurike, a second-round draft pick in 2021, had a challenging start to his career, missing the entire 2022 season due to a back injury that required lumbar fusion. In 2024, he rebounded with a strong performance, appearing in 16 games and making 10 starts, accumulating 28 tackles and 45 quarterback pressures. However, lingering knee pain led to the discovery of an ACL injury, which ultimately sidelined him for the 2025 season.
Josh Paschal, selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, has also faced injury setbacks. He underwent offseason surgery for a back issue and was unable to return to play in 2025 despite starting practice in November. His contract tolling means he will remain under team control, but the lack of guaranteed salary presents a different risk for him compared to Onwuzurike.
Official Statements & Responses
The Detroit Lions have not publicly commented on the specifics of Onwuzurike's and Paschal's contract situations. However, the application of the CBA provisions ensures that both players will remain with the team for the upcoming season, allowing the Lions to maintain depth in their defensive line.
Criticism & Opposition
While the contract tolling provisions are beneficial for the Lions in retaining talent, some critics argue that the system may disadvantage players who are unable to recover in time to meet performance thresholds. The lack of guaranteed salary for Paschal raises concerns about financial security for players facing long-term injuries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Here’s what that section of the CBA lays out regarding Onwuzurike’s situation: “A player who is placed on a Nonfootball Injury or Illness list (“N-F/I”) will not be entitled to any compensation under his contract while on such list but, except as provided below, his contract will continue to run while in such status.” — Collective Bargaining Agreement
- “In essence, Onwuzurike’s contract was paused in 2025 and will now carry over to the 2026 season.” — Sports Analyst
- “ In 2026, Onwuzurike has a base salary of $1,500,000 that is fully guaranteed.” — Sports Analyst
What's Next
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, both Onwuzurike and Paschal will aim to return to full health and contribute to the Lions' defensive efforts. The team will monitor their rehabilitation closely as they prepare for the upcoming season.
