The Detroit Lions are staring down a pivotal offseason, and the first order of business is crystal clear: fix the offensive line.
After years of being considered one of the league’s most consistent and formidable front fives, Detroit’s line took a noticeable step back in 2025. The retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow was the biggest blow, and it showed.
Injuries piled up, and a few veterans started to show signs that Father Time is creeping closer. The result?
A unit that once gave Jared Goff clean pockets and opened up lanes for the run game suddenly looked vulnerable-and that’s not a recipe for success in January.
So now, with 2026 on the horizon, the Lions are entering a bit of a reckoning up front. The offensive line isn’t just a priority-it’s the priority.
Tackle or Center? Why the Answer Starts in the Middle
There’s been plenty of talk about what Detroit should do at tackle, especially with left tackle Taylor Decker openly mulling retirement. And yes, that’s a situation worth monitoring. Decker’s been a cornerstone for years, and if he hangs it up, that leaves a significant hole.
But even with Decker’s future uncertain, the bigger issue is at center. You just don’t lose a player like Ragnow and expect to plug-and-play.
He was the heartbeat of that line-smart, physical, and a leader in every sense. That void was felt all season long.
Which brings us to the most important move Detroit can make this offseason: go get a center. Not just any center-go get the center.
Tyler Linderbaum: The Anchor Detroit Needs
If the Lions want to get serious about dominating in the trenches again, they need to make a run at Tyler Linderbaum. The 25-year-old Ravens standout is already a three-time Pro Bowler and has the kind of game that screams long-term solution. He’s athletic, technically sound, and brings that same edge Ragnow did when he was in his prime.
Centers like Linderbaum rarely hit the open market. If he’s available, Detroit should be ready to open the checkbook.
He’s not just a short-term fix-he’s a building block. And with a young core already in place, he could be the missing piece that brings it all together.
What About Tackle?
Now, that’s not to say tackle should be ignored. The Lions have some intriguing options there too.
Rookie Tate Ratledge showed promise in limited snaps, and Christian Mahogany is another name to watch. Plus, there’s always the possibility of shifting Penei Sewell to the left side if the team finds a right tackle they love in the draft.
Speaking of the draft, Utah’s Spencer Fano is a name that’s already been linked to Detroit. He was the highest-graded FBS tackle in 2024, allowing just five pressures and zero sacks over 382 pass-blocking snaps. That’s elite-level production, and the fact that he’s played both tackle spots gives the Lions some flexibility.
But again, the draft is deep at tackle. There’s room to maneuver, and Detroit can afford to be patient there. That’s not the case at center.
The Blueprint for 2026
If the Lions want to make another playoff push-and maybe take that next step-they need to start by rebuilding the core of their offensive line. That means investing heavily at center and using the draft to shore up tackle depth. With a strong interior, Detroit’s offense can get back to what it does best: controlling the line of scrimmage and dictating the pace.
Linderbaum should be the first phone call when free agency opens. From there, the rest of the line can fall into place.
And if they hit on the right rookie tackle? That’s just icing on the cake.
The Lions have the pieces. Now it’s about putting them back in the right places.