AP Source: Lions agree to deal to retain DE Romeo Okwara

Updated Mar. 15, 2021 3:09 p.m. ET

Associated Press

Defensive end Romeo Okwara has agreed to stay with the

The person spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal. Reports say the unrestricted free agent landed a $39 million, three-year contract.

Okwara had a career-high 10 sacks last season in his third year with the Lions and fifth in the NFL. The former Notre Dame standout played in 16 games for the New York Giants in 2016 as an undrafted rookie. Detroit

In his first major moves related to

Okwara has 20 career sacks in five seasons, starting in 28 of 67 games. He bolsters a defense that desperately needs his help. Detroit gave up 519 points and 6,716 yards last season, breaking team records set by its winless team in 2008 and ranking among the worst in NFL history in both categories.

The Lions are rebuilding their entire team, moving on without quarterback Matthew Stafford under center for the first time in 13 years. In January, they

After getting a longer look at the roster with

Last season, though, Golladay had 20 catches for 338 yards and two scores in just five games.

The Lions signed Tyrell Williams last week shortly after the Las Vegas Raiders released him following two injury-filed seasons. Williams has 197 catches for 3,181 yards and 23 touchdowns in 69 games.

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