5 offensive lineman the Detroit Lions could still sign for depth

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: DeAndre Carter #1 of the Washington Football Team celebrates a 4 yard touchdown reception with teammate Ereck Flowers #79 during the third quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: DeAndre Carter #1 of the Washington Football Team celebrates a 4 yard touchdown reception with teammate Ereck Flowers #79 during the third quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

4. Riley Reiff

Reiff is another former Lion (first-round pick in 2012). He started 69 games over five seasons in Detroit, at left and then right tackle in his final season to make room for Decker as a then-incoming first-round pick. In 2017 Reiff signed a five-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, and remained a steady presence for the Lions’ division rivals (58 starts at left tackle over four seasons).

After being cut by the Vikings, Reiff landed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. An ankle injury cut his season short before the Bengals run to the Super Bowl, and for some he’s among the top free agents still available.

Reiff could conceivably play guard, as rumors of that possibility during his time with the Vikings never game to fruition. He may find greener pastures as well as an opportunity to start elsewhere, with the latter point a certainty barring a major injury to Decker or Penei Sewell. But a return to the Lions is a possibility, however remote it seems.

3. Bobby Massie

Massie has 123 starts as an NFL offensive tackle on his resume, almost exclusively at right tackle. Not that he’s been a great one, but he has been stable and solid. Going forward, he could be a backup swing tackle with the ability (?) to learn to play guard.

That is where he’d fit in Detroit, as someone who could play up to four spots along the offensive line and cover for injuries. Massie could even be a sneaky leader behind the scenes in the Lions’ locker room.

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