SO SAD: Jalen hurts announced his departure and…
Julian Okwara was not one of the over ten players the Detroit Lions signed to reserve/futures deals after their season ended.
Okwara started to resemble himself before the injury toward the end of the season. But his usage during the season—he saw over 20 defensive snaps in just four games, mostly in the first month—created concerns about his future role. Even though Okwara signed a reduced deal to return to the Lions in 2023, he was still able to show off his skills in a limited role and make a valuable contribution in the context of a lighter workload.
Whether Okwara’s performance this season matched the Lions’ strategic goal and their assessment of the pay cap for 2024 was the central question surrounding his future. Furthermore, Okwara’s personal goals and whether he intended to play a supporting role in the future or pursue a more prominent role elsewhere were probably significant.
With his new team, the Philadelphia Eagles, Julian Okwara is embarking on a major career shift that could allow him to capitalize on his comeback in a bigger capacity. In addition to reflecting Okwara’s desire for a more prominent role, this move also demonstrates the Eagles’ plan to bolster their defensive lineup with players who can make a significant effect.