If Detroit Lions fans aren't tuned into the postseason, that's understandable. Your team isn't in the postseason, and one of your biggest adversaries in the Chicago Bears remains in the race. I wouldn't want to tune into a humiliation at the hands of Ben Johnson, either.
Still, perhaps Lions fans should be turning their attention over to one of their Lake Erie neighbors in the Buffalo Bills. Specifically, Lions fans should be taking a look at just how well the Bills' interior offensive line is performing as of late.
Connor McGovern, the team's center, had an excellent Wild Card game against a tough-nosed Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line, finishing up fifth overall on offense between both teams on PFF with a grade of 77.6. McGovern is not only a fantastic center, but he's also a free agent entering this offseason. And, he'd be a great candidate to land on Brad Holmes' radar.
Connor McGovern should get a serious look from Brad Holmes this offseason
McGovern would only be 28 headed into the 2026 season, making him a much younger free agent candidate than is currently available on the market. Of course, the Lions have one thing holding them back from getting aggressive in their pursuit of someone as perfect as him: their cap space.
They're currently operating in the red, and still have to get extensions done with Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Jack Campbell. Holmes told reporters last week that despite serious injuries to both LaPorta and Branch, they're still expected to get an offer for an extension sometime this year.
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That begins to tell Lions fans one obvious thing about the team's plans for their IOL: they're going through the draft to land an answer at center, guard, and possibly tackle. There are some solid linemen in this year's class, with names to watch being T Francis Mauigoa, G Olaivavega Ioane, and C Jake Slaughter.
But, if Detroit can get some financial flexibility with trades this offseason - it's not like the team hasn't hinted at that possibility, anyway - then it opens the door for them to shore up their IOL with bonafide starters like McGovern. He's expected to make somewhere in the ballpark of 3 years and $48 million on his next deal, per Spotrac, which is far and away outside of the Lions' pocket.
It's worth dreaming about, though. Detroit has to hope they can hit a home run, or at least a solid RBI double, on their next answer at center. If not, they risk wasting yet another year with a talented roster with shoddy O-line play.