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The Detroit Lions' 2021 draft class has produced multiple cornerstone pieces for the franchise.
Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill and Amon-Ra St. Brown have all inked contract extensions to keep them with the organization long-term, but interesting decisions still remain as members of that class reach the end of their rookie deals.
Detroit's second-round pick that year, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, is among the members who are set to hit free agency this offseason. Onwuzurike's future is a bit polarizing, as he has the upside of a big piece for the defense but has struggled at points with durability.
Onwuzurike played 16 games in his rookie season despite missing a chunk of training camp with an injury, then was out his entire second year with a back injury. The ailment lingered in 2023 as he played in just 10 games, but he returned to full health ahead of training camp in 2024.
The Washington product had a strong training camp and wound up starting 10 of his 16 games in 2024. He remained healthy throughout the year, becoming a vital piece as Detroit's defensive line had to withstand several key injuries to players such as McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson.
Onwuzurike has shown the ability to be impactful particularly as a pass rusher from the interior, as evidenced by his team-best 47 pressures throughout the year. He was credited with 1.5 sacks this season and had a team-best 14 quarterback hits.
Because of his upside, there's plenty of benefit in keeping Onwuzurike moving forward. The Lions stuck with him through the injury, and his strong training camp in his fourth NFL season indicates that he still has his best football ahead of him.
Predicting Onwuzurike's market is a bit tricky. The overall value of defensive tackles has increased greatly in recent years, with Chris Jones of Kansas City leading the way at $31.8 million APY (Average per year).
Detroit signed McNeill to a hefty extension already, as he is now the fourth-highest paid player at the position with an APY of $24.25 million. Onwuzurike doesn't have the same production in terms of overall body of work as McNeill, so his price won't be as high.
However, with the value of pass rushing defensive tackles consistently increasing, Onwuzurike could stand to gain a lucrative extension. As a result, Onwuzurike could demand nearly $15 million per year moving forward.
If the Lions elect to resign him, it will come at a solid price with the team hoping that he will maximize his potential working under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Contract prediction: Three years, $42 million
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Cowboys make decision on Micah Parsons' trade request
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been trying to instill civility at practice when tempers flare, but he has no choice but to stay idle as the Dallas Cowboys front office and Micah Parsons face off at training camp. On Friday, Parsons took to social media to announce he sent executive vice president Stephen Jones a request to be traded from the Cowboys. "Unfortunately I no longer want to be here," Parsons wrote, per a post on X. "I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present. "I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization our fans and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me." Dallas didn't appear fazed by Parsons' request. Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Cowboys have no plans to trade Parsons this summer, though multiple teams will plan to inquire about the three-time All-Pro pass-rusher. "The Dallas Cowboys have no intention of trading Micah Parsons, per sources," Russini posted on X. "Still, teams around the league are planning to reach out to check on his availability today." The Cowboys selected Parsons with the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft. The four-time Pro Bowl nominee has recorded 256 tackles and 52.5 sacks during his four years in the league. The former Penn State standout has appeared and started in 63 games. Parsons missed four games last year due to an ankle injury. The Cowboys front office could have made the situation better by talking with Parsons' agent and keeping any issues with the star pass-rusher in-house. The Cowboys have another preseason distraction. This one is of their own making.
How to watch the Detroit Tigers vs. the Philadelphia Phillies: First pitch, TV & streaming details for tonight
Lakers Interested in $60 Million All-Star Big Man, Under One Condition
The Los Angeles Lakers were hunting for a center for most of the offseason after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They knew they needed an upgrade from Jaxon Hayes. While the Lakers didn't get any of the top centers on the free agent market, they were able to sign Deandre Ayton after he was bought out. Another center would be a better fit, but he wasn't available in the offseason. Nikola Vucevic has been linked to the Lakers dating all the way back to the trade deadline, although Vucevic was not moved. More news: Lakers Make Massive Announcement Ahead of 2025-26 Season The Lakers would only be interested in Vucevic if he were to be bought out, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints. Los Angeles will not be pursuing a trade to acquire Vucevic. After bringing in Ayton on a two-year deal, it wouldn't make sense to trade assets in order to bring in Vucevic. They want to see what Ayton can do before bailing on him already. The Lakers needed a starting center, as that was their biggest need heading into the offseason. While Ayton isn't the greatest option, he is someone who can help the team with what he brings to the table. The Bulls seem to think that Vucevic can still help them win games and contend for the playoffs in what will be a very weak Eastern Conference next season. If things don't go well by the time the trade deadline arrives, the Bulls might decide to buy him out if they aren't in the playoff picture. That would be the only scenario in which the Lakers bring him in. More news: Lakers Rumors: NBA Insider Provides Massive Update on Luka Doncic Extension The Lakers are always looking to improve the roster whenever possible. They aren't worried about hurting feelings, so they wouldn't hesitate to offer Vucevic a contract if they thought he was better than Ayton. With LeBron James entering the end of his career, the Lakers are going to try to win the title as quickly as possible while he is still on the roster. Last season with the Bulls, Vucevic averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He shot 53 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. More news: Former Lakers Castoff All-Star Linked to East Team in Free Agency For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.
Grading the New York Mets' trade-deadline deals
The New York Mets were among the most active teams at the July 31 MLB trade deadline. Club president David Stearns was motivated to improve his roster as the franchise seeks to build off its 2024 NLCS run. The Mets already held one of the best records in the National League, while being locked in a fierce NL East divisional battle with the rival Philadelphia Phillies. New York — one of the biggest trade-deadline winners — was able to bolster its depth chart through four moves. Move No. 1: Gregory Soto, RP The Mets began their deadline run by adding a much-needed lefty specialist in Baltimore Orioles reliever Gregory Soto. Minor league pitchers Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster were sent back to Baltimore in the exchange. Soto, a two-time All-Star, held a 3.96 ERA at the time of the trade. He was also limiting left-handed batters to a devastating .131/.260/.262 slash line. While it was initially assumed that Soto would take on a more prominent role as a late-inning bullpen option, the following moves ensure he can be properly deployed as a specialist against lefty batters. Mets' grade: B+ Move No. 2: Tyler Rogers, RP The Mets added their second bullpen weapon by trading for longtime San Francisco Giants submariner Tyler Rogers, sending reliever Jose Butto, and minor leaguers Blade Tidwell (SP) and Drew Gilbert (OF) to the Bay Area. Tidwell and Gilbert were New York's No. 10- and No. 12-ranked prospects. While the package of prospects sent away frustrated some Mets fans — including some talk of New York getting "fleeced" — it is important to note that both Tidwell and Gilbert seemed to be plateauing in their farm system. Tidwell's likeliest outcome is as a Butto-like middle reliever. While Gilbert boasts an interesting combination of power and defense, he profiles as a fourth outfielder. Meanwhile, Rogers has been one of the most consistent bullpen options over the past decade. He holds a sparkling 1.80 ERA and 0.860 WHIP across 50 innings in 2025. He has a 2.79 ERA across his seven-year MLB career. Adding Rogers (who is a free agent after this season) came with a high price. However, the Mets add an established workhorse to their revamped bullpen. He would be the perfect replacement for the injured eight-inning option AJ Minter if it weren't for the next trade. Mets' grade: B+ Move No. 3: Ryan Helsley, RP The Mets made their biggest splash of the deadline through the surprise acquisition of two-time All-Star and 2024 MLB saves leader Ryan Helsley. The Cardinals received a prospects package headlined by shortstop Jesus Baez. Right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt were also sent to St. Louis. Like Rogers, Helsley is also a rental who is slated to hit free agency after this season. Unlike Rogers (or anyone else on this list), the 31-year-old Helsley features premier stuff and is one of the most dangerous closers in baseball. The Mets already have a three-time All-Star and two-time MLB Reliever of the Year locking down the ninth inning in Edwin Diaz. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will be able to use the former Cardinals closer as a flexible weapon during New York's highest-leverage moments. This also allows players like Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek and Brooks Raley, who were formerly used in the seventh and eighth innings, to become Swiss Army knives in one of the league's most dangerous bullpens. Mets' grade: A Move No. 4: Cedric Mullins The Mets put the cherry on top of their trade deadline by adding 2021 All-Star Cedric Mullins. This adds a dual threat to a position of need in New York's centerfield. Mullins is hitting .229 with 15 home runs and 14 stolen bases. While this batting average leaves something to be desired, the incumbent starter, Tyrone Taylor, is hitting just .201 with two homers and 11 steals this season. The longtime Oriole gives the Mets a needed boost to the latter half of their lineup. The low price tag of minor league pitchers Raimon Gómez, Chandler Marsh and Anthony Nunez makes this deal well worth it for New York. Mets' grade: A Conclusion Each of these four moves set the Mets up for a deep playoff run. While they elected not to seriously pursue a starting pitcher, the three relievers will allow the Mets to set their current rotation up for maximum success. On paper, the Mets' bullpen-heavy pitching profile closely mirrors the Los Angeles Dodgers team that knocked them out of the postseason en route to the 2024 World Series title. Add in Mullins' bat, and Stearns and the Mets crushed the trade deadline. Overall grade: A
Micah Parsons trade request: Dez Bryant commends Dallas Cowboys LB after stunning move
Micah Parsons’ trade request sent shockwaves across the NFL Friday. The Dallas Cowboys star has been searching for a new contract with the franchise, but no deal has come together. Friday afternoon, things took another turn as Parsons requested a trade. That then led to a response from Cowboys great Dez Bryant, who joined the chorus of voices supporting the former Penn State star. Bryant praised Parsons for standing his ground after talks with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys appeared to start going backward, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He also credited Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, for supporting his client as he seeks a deal. “What you’re doing, the message that you’re sending, the business that you’re standing on is extremely major, brother,” Bryant said. “The guys like myself, the guys who came before you, we failed. We failed tremendously on standing our ground due to the lack of knowledge and the lack of support entering a world that we were very unfamiliar with. I remember being in that situation like you – nervous, scared, don’t know which way to go, can’t trust my support system. Which, shoutout to David, man. He’s one of the best agents in the business. I respect how y’all go about y’all’s business. A huge salute there. “But like I was saying, man, much respect to you, for real. Do what’s best for you. Do I want to see you with the star on your helmet? Yes, I do. I pray that Jerry and them do what’s right – pay you what you deserve. You’re an incredible talent. You are a superstar. You’re worth every penny that you’re asking for. If everything don’t work out, you’re still gonna be great because that’s who you are. Again, I appreciate you. I support you. It’s always love, dawg.” News of Micah Parsons’ plan to request a trade broke Friday morning when The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said he intended to do so. Hours later, the Cowboys star shared a lengthy message on social media making his request clear, saying he doesn’t want to play for the franchise anymore. The expectation is Parsons will become one of the highest-paid players in the league, though the market has shifted a few times this offseason. Now, he wants out. “Unfortunately, I no longer want to be here,” Parsons wrote, in part. “I no longer want to be held to closed-door negotiations without my agent present. No longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization, our fans and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me. … I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys. My trade request has been submitted to [Cowboys CEO] Stephen Jones personally.”
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