Even though the Detroit Lions have had enough of bad injury news the last three seasons, that doesn't mean the hits won't keep coming even as they have turned the page to 2026.
This time, veteran center Cade Mays, who was being counted on to shoulder the load up front this season, went down with a wrist injury. Even though it sounded as if the situation was a worst-case scenario, it seems Mays will be back before the middle of the season.
Even such, the Lions are going to need someone to step up and shoulder the load. There are options on the roster, but nearly all are untested. That could leave the free agent market as the best possible way for the Lions to boost their depth at a needy position before the season.
Unfortunately for Detroit, there isn't much on the market to work with in terms of an outside addition. A quick check of the free agent market shows only four names, with one being Graham Glasgow. Last season, Glasgow produced mixed results for the Lions. It's unlikely Detroit wants to go back to Glasgow quickly if they can help it.
Outside of that, James Daniels, Ryan Bates and Zeke Correll are the only other free agents of note. Daniels has played mostly guard at the NFL level, but was a center in college and could be converted if the Lions wanted to try. Bates has experience as a center, but has just 21 starts to his credit. Correll is even more untested than that with no NFL experience to note.
With this in mind, the Lions might be better served to see what they have on the roster before making any panic signing. As if this point, that looks exactly like what the franchise is prepared to do.
Dan Campbell sounds ready to give internal options the first look
While there are options on the market that might not look appealing, there is also ample time for the Lions to sort things out on their end. Given the lack of obvious fits or big names on the market, the Lions are likely to try and see what they can get out of their roster first.
Speaking after the injury to Mays, Campbell hinted that the Lions would be looking closest at the players they have on the roster such as Juice Scruggs, Seth McLaughlin and Michael Niese. Additionally, if things get desperate enough, Tate Ratledge could move over to center.
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"Those are the (depth) guys, that's why they're here. Juice (Scruggs) is dealing with a little bit of a soft tissue injury. It'll be a few more days before he's back. But certainly, Juice is a candidate. (Seth) McLaughlin's going to get looks. Michael Niese has done it. (Tate) Ratledge is going to work. I don't see him doing team, but we got to get him back up to speed with doing a little snapping just in case. We got options. It's the hand you're dealt and you move on."
McLaughlin is going to receive the first look from Detroit, and is likely the player to watch given his experience in college. He has the potential to take the job and run with it if he can gain confidence and experience.
The hope for Detroit is someone from this group can hold down the fort until Mays is ready to return at some point in October. Other than that, there isn't much on the outside market to move the needle that would be much better. It's a frightening proposition for the Lions before a critical season.
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