The Detroit Lions’ offseason intentions are expected to include a significant focus on the team’s offensive line. In 2025, the squad took a major step back, and during this offseason, the club must make some important choices.
Both head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes spoke at length about the offensive line during their separate press conferences at the NFL Combine on Tuesday. A summary of their major points regarding the offensive line is provided below.
The Lions intend to increase their tackle depth regardless of Taylor Decker’s choice to retire.
Holmes stated in a prior article that they are looking for clarity on Decker’s retirement before the beginning of the new league year. However, Campbell made the even more significant observation that the team needs to deal with tackle this offseason, regardless of whether Decker chooses to come back or not.
“Look, if Decker can’t come back, we need to locate someone. However, we still need to locate a man, even if he comes back. Since Deck has a few issues that will require supervision, that’s where we are right now, no matter how much I adore him. Therefore, we will require someone who is proficient at playing over there (left tackle) in some way. If we’re in a bind or if we need them as a starter.
The possibility of Tate Ratledge at the center is still up for discussion.
Holmes told us during our last conversation that Ratledge might undoubtedly go to center as he enters his second season. Holmes said nearly the same thing this week at the NFL Combine.
“I think that’s still a viable option,” Holmes stated. “Look, he wasn’t doing anything wrong when we tried him out there early in camp that we had to move him back. ” We simply believed that for a rookie at that point in his career, the right guard position would be a little bit simpler to adjust to. Additionally, Graham (Glasgow) benefited somewhat from his prior experience in the center position in our offense. As a result, we believed it to be the correct course of action at that point. Nevertheless, Tate might still be able to relocate into that role. However, I believe that’s the appeal of it—the flexibility that we have—so I believe Tate will always be in that conversation, regardless of whether we add guard, center, or anything else.
On Graham What lies ahead for Glasgow?
With the possibility that the Lions would free up more than $5. 5 million in cap space if they decide to cut ties with the 33-year-old offensive lineman, Graham Glasgow is the Lions’ most likely candidate to be a cap casualty.
Holmes didn’t provide a clear response regarding the future of Glasgow, which may also include retirement, but—as with Decker—they are hoping for clarity by the beginning of the league year.
“He is still bound by his contract. Again, the league year begins on a real date, so you want to be as clear as possible beforehand. Hopefully, we’ll get as much clarity as we can on Graham before then,” Holmes added.
Holmes refused to answer one way or the other when asked if the Lions would continue Glasgow if he chooses not to retire in 2026.
“We still need to have those conversations in the future,” Holmes stated.
Center: The Draft or Free Agency?
The Lions will concentrate on the offensive line, including the center, during the upcoming offseason, Holmes reiterated.
“That’s something that’s not going to be ignored,” Holmes said, “not just the center but the offensive line, really both sides of the ball. ” “We will definitely look at it, whether it’s via free agency or the draft. “
The question of whether the Lions will use the draft, Ratledge, Glasgow, or a free agent to handle the center position is up for discussion. They will consider all possibilities, according to Holmes. In response to a question on whether it was dangerous to hold out until the draft to choose a center, Holmes stated that it was premature to say that this year’s class isn’t up to par. Experience as a seasoned free agent, though, might be preferable to that of a prospective rookie, he said.
“It’s a very important position, you have to manage a lot of information, and so, some rookies have been able to handle it, but you just have to find the right one,” Holmes said. “If you find the proper one, whether it’s Day 1, Day 2, or Day 3, it can, but the most obvious method is to have a player that has previously done it, which will give you a little bit more peace of mind. “
