Why do the Detroit Lions seem willing to let Graham Glasgow walk?

The Detroit Lions have used a lot of resources to build up their offensive line. So why wouldn’t they want to retain pending free agent Graham Glasgow?

The Detroit Lions have made some serious investments into their offensive line since allowing Bob Quinn to take over as general manager in 2016. Two first-round selections and two high-priced free agent signings later, and the Lions’ O-Line is threatening to become a top-ten contender in 2020.

Of course, that fact did little to help Detroit in the win column this past season. And the fact stalwart quarterback Matthew Stafford was forced to miss eight games due to injuries (back/hip) for the first time in nearly a decade isn’t exactly a calling card for the offensive line either.

Still, this unit is viewed as an up-and-coming positional group with center Frank Ragnow and left tackle Taylor Decker leading the way. Both posted improved play in 2019, with Ragnow switching from guard to center being a big victory for the Motor City.

But the ascending performance by the offensive line has been aided by the versatile play of one of Quinn’s first draft selections during his inaugural year in Motown. Michigan’s Graham Glasgow was the Lions third-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, the 95th player chosen in that class.

Glasgow has gone on to start in 58 of his 62 games played in Detroit. And his versatility to play all three interior positions has been paramount to the Lions’ makeshift offensive line finding any success over the past four seasons.

The 27-year old versatile offensive lineman is scheduled to become a unrestricted free agent in March, and will undoubtedly be a desired target in a league desperately searching for offensive line talent. Back in December, Glasgow seemed perplexed as to why the Lions haven’t yet approached him about a possible contract extension.

Here’s what Justin Rogers of The Detroit News said when asked in a recent mailbag question about the Glasgow situation and why it appears the Lions are not interested in paying him to stay.

"“I wouldn’t say they have no interest, but there is a reluctance to pay the market rate for a position the organization doesn’t see as a good use of cap space. Glasgow is a good player, but not a great player. He’s above-average, not Pro Bowl-caliber. He’s durable and versatile, which increases his value, but the Lions don’t necessarily see him being worth the potential $8 million per year he could command on the open market.”"

Although only the Detroit Lions themselves know what is said and done behind closed doors, to fans Graham Glasgow appears to be an integral piece of an ascending offensive line that has finally started to build real chemistry. Losing Glasgow to free agency now could be a set back for this young positional group, costing Detroit more than just salary cap space.