The Detroit Lions will retain one of their top defensive playmakers in Romeo Okwara.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was among those to report the Lions agreed to terms with the defensive end Okwara on a three-year, $39 million deal.

Romeo Okwara had a breakout season with the Lions in 2020.

The 25-year-old had career-high marks in sacks (10.0), quarterback hits (18), combined tackles (44), tackles for a loss (11) and forced fumbles (3).

This is a pretty big ascent for Okwara. The Lions claimed him off waivers from the New York Giants in 2018. He has seemingly found a rhythm in the Motor City and will now remain in Detroit for the foreseeable future.

The Lions desperately needed to improve their pass rush entering free agency. It made perfect sense to keep Okwara, who can provide pressure off the edge and make plays in the defensive backfield.

Detroit ranked last in the NFL both in defensive scoring and yards allowed. Okwara accounted for close to 50 percent of the team's sacks. The Lions also ranked last in the NFL in quarterback hits.

It will be interesting to see how Detroit proceeds after retaining one of its own. Defense appears to be the priority.

The Lions declined to use the franchise tag on Kenny Golladay. Fellow wide receiver Marvin Jones is also a free agent.

Perhaps Detroit is more intent on using free agency to upgrade the defense while eventually hoping to exploit a deep draft class at the wide receiver position.

New general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell still have plenty of challenges in assembling the roster and trying to make the Lions winners. But Holmes ensured Okwara will be part of this new era of Lions football.