Photo Credit Gregory Shamus/Getty Images.

After the unexpected retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, Lions fans knew they were in for a bit of a drop off in terms of offensive line play. However, Detroit had two bookend tackles, a second round draft pick at guard, and a decent veteran option in Graham Glasgow, so fans were understandably optimistic. I think we all expected it to be a little worse, but not to the extent we are seeing.

Lions fans may have been a bit too optimistic. The offensive line has not been very good this season, and outside of Penei Sewell, everyone has had their fair share of bad snaps. That’s not to say it’s just been terrible all around. Yes, week one was rough, but then we had a few really good games in a row. However, the inconsistency, specifically on the interior, has been our biggest downfall on offense. That showed Sunday against the Vikings, as Goff was pressured consistently, and the run game could not get it going. Obviously, well timed and well designed blitzes played a big hand in that, but that also goes into the inconsistency along the offensive line. Taylor Decker has also been in and out of the lineup, turning what was supposed to be a strength into a weakness. On top of that, second year guard Christian Mahogany may be lost for the season, after he left the Vikings game due to a leg injury.

However, hope is not completely lost. Obviously losing Mahogany isn’t great, and Glasgow has probably been our worst linemen this year, but I think there are some players that could be had via trade or free agency, that could help us out.

In my opinion, we need to add a starter at center or guard, I’d prefer a center, but center is also a lot harder to add, as teams aren’t usually willing to trade their starter. Either way, Glasgow is likely staying in the lineup at either center or guard. But we also need a solid backup tackle, as Decker can’t seem to stay healthy. Lets take a look at a few guys that are, or could become, available before tomorrows trade deadline.

First up, lets look at a few players who are free agents. Obviously these guys are available for a reason, so I’m not expecting Frank Ragnow level play. However, with both Glasgow’s issues and the Mahogany injury, the Lions need to add depth regardless.

FREE AGENTS:

Shaq Mason, G:
Mason, 32, is coming off of a not so great season with Houston. Per PFF, he had a 62.3 overall, 65.2 pass block, and a 57.7 run block grade. He allowed 8 sacks, 5 hits, and 34 total pressures. Obviously he did not play great, but I also think he would be a pretty solid depth addition, that offers some veteran presence in the absence of Mahogany. For reference, Graham Glasgow currently has a 62.6 overall, 70.8 pass block, and 58.1 run block grade, so they are pretty similar per PFF, and Mason likely wouldn’t even have to start for us.

Jedrick Wills, T:
Wills, 26, is currently not rostered, likely due to a nagging knee injury he has been dealing with for multiple seasons. The former first round pick said he may sit out some, or all, of the 2025 season to ‘help his body for the long term’. However, we are about halfway done with the season, and it would make sense to see how he is feeling physically, as he would be a great swing tackle for us for the rest of the season. In 5 games in 2024, he had a 52.9 overall, 63.6 pass block, and a 51.6 run block grade. Obviously, not starter level, but again that’s why these guys are still available.

Cody Whitehair, IOL:
Whitehair, 33, is a name Lions fans likely know, as he spent most of his career in Chicago. He spent last season in Las Vegas, where he played in 12 games, starting 3, all at left guard. He had a 44.7 overall, a 61.0 pass block, and a 37.9 run block grade. He allowed 0 sacks, 1 hit, 9 pressures and had just 2 penalties. The PFF grades aren’t that positive, but I think both the Lions and Whitehair could benefit from this. The Lions just lost their starting left guard, and at worst, Whitehair offers some veteran depth.

Nick Harris, C:
Harris, 26, is easily the youngest player on this list, but for good reason. He broke his leg last season, and it was his second season-ending leg injury while he was in Cleveland. He was signed by the Commanders in the off-season, but didn’t make it past cut day. In 2024, he had a 49.7 overall, 63.9 pass blocking, and a 48.3 run block grade. Obviously, he’s not going to take the job from Glasgow, but he’s young, has starts under his belt, and offers some versatility playing both guard and center.

TRADE:

C Aaron Brewer, MIA:
Brewer could be unavailable, but the dolphins are 2-6, and just fired their GM. They also just moved pass rusher Jaelen Phillips, and have made former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick available, so who knows who’s off limits. Brewer, 28, has been a positive for the Dolphins this season, quietly becoming one of the leagues better centers. Per PFF, he currently has a 76.5 overall (4th), 61.6 pass block (16th), and a 87.6 run block grade (3rd). He has also allowed 0 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 7 pressures with 8 penalties on the season. Brewer would be an immediate upgrade over Glasgow, and is on a relatively cheap deal. He is due about $14 million through the 2026 season, and would be very easy for the Lions to absorb his $9.1 million cap hit in 2026. He could legitimately be the Lions starter for at least the next two seasons, and with how he’s played, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got an extension. His versatility also keeps the door open for having Ratledge move to center. COST: Honestly, I have no idea what the Dolphins would ask, as they are rebuilding, but may not be keen to part with what might be their best offensive linemen. I would expect a 3rd to be the value, but maybe could be had for a 4th and a 6th. Either way, it may be a long shot for this deal to go down, as Brewer may be one of the only players the Dolphins see as worth keeping.

G Joe Bitonio, CLE:
Bitonio might be my favorite option of all, including the free agents. At 34 years old, he doesn’t quite fit the timetable the Browns are currently on. He is also on a one year deal, making it even more likely he gets dealt, as the 2-6 Browns may not be looking to extend him. Bitonio is still one of the league’s better guards, as he currently has a 72.4 PFF grade, ranking 13th overall. He also has a 67.0 pass back grade and a 70.8 run block grade, showing his all around ability. Obviously it’s not quite elite, but still pretty good nonetheless. Plus, he would slide right into the left guard spot with no issues after Mahogany’s injury, shoring up the left side. I think this would help Glasgow as well as Decker, giving them a veteran leader between them. Bitonio is a guy we could potentially bring back next year too, however, I don’t think that happens personally. The biggest hang up is his $11.9 million cap hit this season, which doesn’t affect the Lions much this season, but it eats into what carries over next year. COST: Realistically, it shouldn’t cost a ton, but the Browns likely won’t part with him for nothing. Bitonio has been in Cleveland for his entire career, and likely has a lot of ties to the area. I could see him being had for a 6th round pick, but it may take a 5th. I think I’d do it for either at this point, as he is an immediate upgrade, and would possibly become our second or third best lineman.

G Wyatt Teller, CLE:
Teller, 30, is also in a contract year with Cleveland, and could be traded for all the same reasons as Bitonio. He has a 63.5 overall, 54.9 pass block, and a 66.1 run block grade per PFF this season. Obviously, not ideal numbers, but I still think Teller is an immediate upgrade. He has allowed 2 sacks, 1 hit, and 19 pressures, on the 3rd most pass block snaps among guards, which isn’t horrible by any means. The big issue I see with this move is Teller has played right guard for the majority of his career, so there may be some growing pains with a move to left. I also see Teller as a rental, as it is most likely the Lions let him walk after the season. COST: Similar to Bitonio, the Browns may suck, but I’m not sure they are in a rush to trade their linemen. I would think a 6th or maybe even 7th gets it done, and I would pull that trigger. Teller would provide an immediate upgrade, and fills in well for Mahogany.

G Kevin Zeitler, TEN:
I wont spend too much time on this one, I just don’t see it happening. I mainly included it because I’ve seen his name a lot on Twitter the past few days. There’s one huge reason this won’t happen: Zeitler went to Tennessee for personal reasons, to be closer to family. I don’t see the Titans moving him, and I don’t think he’d be very happy if they did.

G Nick Allegretti, WAS:
Alegretti, 29, is a solid veteran that has played on multiple playoff teams, including the 2024 Chiefs that won the Super Bowl. This season, Allegretti is having a bit of a down year, posting a 49.3 overall, 39.1 pass block, and a 63.8 run block grade per PFF. Obviously its not ideal, and he lost his starting job to Andrew Wylie in week 3, however I think he offers some solid depth at least. I think he could potentially be an upgrade over Awosika, but I’m not sure that’s really worth giving up capital for at this point. Plus, he is not in the last year of his deal, meaning the Lions would be on the hook for about $7 million in 2026, although they’d have the ability to cut him without eating much of that number. COST: As I said before, he’s not playing great this year, and lost his starting spot early in the year. I’d expect this to cost a 7th round pick, or a 6th for 7th round swap. He would be a solid addition, but is not a clear upgrade as of now.

OL Andrew Wylie, WAS:
The other Commanders lineman who was made available recently, Wylie was also the one who took Allegretti’s starting spot. Wylie, 31, also has not been playing his best football this year. He has an overall grade of 49.8, pass block grade of 61.5, and run block grade of 46.4, not a clear upgrade over what we have. He does offer some needed versatility though, having played both guard spots, and right tackle in his NFL career. I think Wylie makes more sense, as he is on the last year of his deal, and offers the versatility I mentioned. I also prefer Wylie’s experience, as he has played in multiple schemes at multiple spots, and would likely have no issue sliding around for us if needed. He has also been a part of winning teams, in the playoffs as well. COST: Similar to Alegretti, I don’t expect Washington to get much of anything for him. I would say a 7th round pick likely gets it done, and I’m not sure I’d want to give any more than that with what else is potentially available.

OL Evan Neal, NYG:
Neal is likely the worst player on this list, but still offers some value. He has yet to see the field in ’25, and is likely seen as a backup by most teams. However, the move could make some sense, as we are in need of a swing tackle, AKA, a guy who can step in and start if needed, without being totally terrible. Manu has shown he doesn’t have it yet, and he’s on IR anyway. Skipper is a decent backup, but not really a guy you want as your starting left tackle, specifically for pass blocking. Neal adds some versatility, with the ability to play guard and tackle. COST: Honestly, it shouldn’t cost much at all. I could see this deal being made for a 6th and 7th pick swap, with the Giants just looking to get anything for him. He is on a one year deal. I could even see the Lions offering player for player swap, if the Giants see a depth guy they’d like to add.

G John Simpson, NYJ:
Simpson is a guy I don’t love or hate. I think there’s potential he is an upgrade after the Mahogany injury, but without that, I don’t know if I’m very interested in him. He has a 51.2 overall, 57.1 pass block, and a 53.7 run block grade per PFF. Obviously, not very good, but given what we have, it could make some sense, and might even be an upgrade over Awosika. He has allowed 3 sacks, 2 hits, and 17 pressures, with 3 penalties. Simpson plays left guard, making the move pretty seamless in terms of sliding into the lineup. He is also on a contract year, with just a $6.6 million cap hit, it would be relatively easy to eat that. COST: Honestly, it shouldn’t take more than a 7th or even a 6th for 7th swap. Again, its not the ideal player, but would help us for the rest of the season with Mahogany out.

IDEAL SCENARIO: Lions trade 2026 4th and C Trystan Colon to Miami for Aaron Brewer. Brewer is the best player, and the best fit. I just don’t know if he’s available, or for how much. If he is available, it’s almost a no brainer for me, he’s an immediate upgrade, adds versatility, and is still young/has years left on his deal so it’s not just a rental. Would give Goff and everyone else more confidence all around. –OR– Lions trade a 2026 6th to Cleveland for Joel Bitonio. He’s the best player that’s likely available, and fits exactly what we need, sliding right into Mahogany’s spot at LG. I may prefer Brewer, but the odds he’s even available are somewhat low, and his price would be a bit more. Bitonio would help the entire line out, would give Goff some much needed confidence, and would open up holes in the run game. Hell, I’d even give Cleveland a 5th just to get it done. This move could get us what we need to get over the hump.

SUMMARY:
The Lions need offensive line help, and it shouldn’t be impossible to find it. Whether it’s a free agent signing, or a trade, the Lions have the ability to shore up their offensive line for the rest of the season. Obviously, it has not been as good this season as it has in the past, and short of trading for an All-Pro, it wont get back to that this season. But as we all know, the offense runs through the line, and the Lions need to upgrade there. There are multiple ways to upgrade, but we shall see if Holmes makes a move, as the Lions have been rumored to be looking for edge, defensive line, and defensive back help as well. Holmes has his work cut out for him this trade deadline if the Lions want to finally get over the hump that is a Super Bowl appearance.

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