Lions lose versatile offensive lineman Evan Brown to Seahawks

Evan Brown was a key piece of the Detroit Lions offensive line the last couple seasons, but he has departed for a free agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

Evan Brown was set to, per a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson, have a healthy market for his services in free agency. That opened the door for his departure from the Detroit Lions, and per reports from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, Brown is headed for the Seattle Seahawks.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Howe reported it’s a one-year pact.

After bouncing around the league a bit and finishing the 2020 campaign in Detroit, Brown became a key piece of the Lions offensive line the last two seasons. He started 12 games at center for an injured Frank Ragnow in 2021, as Pro Football Focus graded him solidly (68.8) for his work.

Then last season, as Halapoulivaati Vaitai missed the entire season with a back injury, Brown started 12 games–11 at right guard. He wasn’t quite as good at guard, but he created extra value for himself in time to hit free agency.

The Seahawks’ offensive line finished in the bottom half of the league in run and pass blocking grades last season, so Brown will be a welcome addition.

Detroit Lions moved quickly to replace Evan Brown

Just before the news of Brown’s departure came, it was reported the Lions are bringing back Graham Glasgow on a one-year deal. So they pivoted quickly when it was clear Brown would not be back, just as they did when it was clear Jamaal Williams was not re-signing to pivot to David Montgomery.

Glasgow, at minimum, will replace Brown as versatile interior line depth. But Vaitai’s future in Detroit is up in the air, and even if he’s back Glasgow should be competition for the starting spot at right guard.

Brown is the third free agent the Lions have lost thus far, following Williams (New Orleans Saints) and safety DeShon Elliott (Miami Dolphins).