The days of the Detroit Lions featuring the Okwara brothers along the defensive line are officially over. Julian Okwara has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Okwara was a third-round pick by the Lions in 2020 and has spent hte first four years of his career in Detroit. He joined older brother Romeo with the Lions but never established himself as more than a part-time player. His most productive season was his second one, with five sacks in 13 games and playing 40 percent of the snaps in 2021. He missed games due to various injuries in all four of his seasons.
Okwara was waived late in the 2023 season but returned to the Lions’ practice squad. Because he was not on an active roster at the end of the season, Okwara was free to sign anywhere.
With Julian now gone, the question for the Lions shifts to whether they will have either Okwara brother back in 2024. Romeo’s contract for 2024 officially voids on Friday.