The Detroit Lions' offensive line woes are well-documented, and with the retirement of Frank Ragnow, the team faces a pivotal offseason to rebuild and restore its former glory. The focus is on the interior of the line, with guards and centers in the spotlight. The Lions' current situation is a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, but the question remains: who are the best fits to fill the starting lineup?
The Current Landscape
The Lions have a solid core of interior offensive linemen under contract, including guards Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Myles Frazier, and Juice Scruggs, as well as center/guard Michael Niese and versatile player Colby Sorsdal. However, the retirement of Frank Ragnow and the departure of Graham Glasgow leave a significant void at center, which needs to be addressed.
Free Agency Options
Centers
The Lions have a few options at center, each with its own advantages and considerations. Firstly, Tyler Linderbaum, a highly touted talent, is estimated to command a four-year, $80M contract. While he would be a significant upgrade, the Lions' involvement in negotiations is uncertain, and the bidding war for his services could drive up the price. Connor McGovern, on the other hand, is a step-down option with NFL experience at both guard and center. He's open to returning to guard, providing versatility, but his cost will be considerably lower.
Guards
For the guard position, the Lions have a range of options. David Edwards, a consistent starter at 28 years old, is a solid long-term solution. Alijah Vera-Tucker, a former first-round pick, offers versatility and a mauling presence in the run game, despite his injury history. However, his price tag may be too high for the Lions' budget.
Best Fits
Centers
In my opinion, the Lions should splurge on a center, and Tyler Linderbaum is the clear choice. While the market is a seller's market, the Lions' lack of options may force their hand. Linderbaum's talent and potential are too great to pass up, even if it means bidding war prices.
Connor McGovern is another option, offering versatility and a lower cost. However, the Lions should be cautious, as McGovern's market value may be inflated by his experience at both guard and center. Cade Mays, though not an upgrade, provides depth and competition, which is beneficial for the team's development.
Guards
For the guard position, the Lions have several affordable veteran options. Joel Bitonio, a reliable veteran, has played at least 1,000 snaps in nine straight seasons. While he's past his prime, his consistency and connection with Drew Petzing make him an attractive option. Kevin Zeitler, a high-level player, has experience playing next to Penei Sewell and would be a dependable veteran presence.
Greg Van Roten, a versatile player, offers options at multiple positions. Though his play has been average, his experience and connection with the Lions make him a low-key favorite. However, his age and recent performance may be a concern.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions' offensive line rebuild is a complex task, but with careful consideration of free agency options, the team can address its needs. Splurging on a center like Tyler Linderbaum or Connor McGovern could be a strategic move, while affordable veterans like Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler provide reliable solutions at guard. The Lions must navigate the market and make creative decisions to build a strong interior line, ensuring a brighter future for the franchise.
