Let's preface this by saying that Houston Texans offensive lineman Juice Scruggs was probably nothing more than a toss-in amidst the huge David Montgomery trade that the Detroit Lions just executed.
That said, Scruggs - who is traditionally a center, and who slid to guard for the Texans in 2025 - is a depth piece for the Lions to work with this offseason as they scramble to figure out what to do at center long-term. Graham Glasgow clearly didn't cut it, to the point that Brad Holmes has once again ignited the flames around Tate Ratledge stepping in at center next year.
Glasgow feels like the most obvious cut candidate for the Lions as they look to clear a decent amount of cap space this offseason, and acquiring Scruggs feels like another nail in that coffin. If the team is willing to absorb a lineman with one of the lowest-graded PFF performances from last season at guard, then they're clearly desperate to find a Glasgow replacement.
Glasgow feels like the obvious casualty of David Montgomery-Texans trade
Again, Scruggs is probably not starting for the Lions. Detroit might not even roster Scruggs by the time the 2026 season rolls around. But, he does offer something the Lions obviously value given their injury woes the last few years, and that's availability. He played in all 17 games last year for Houston at guard, and he started for 13 games in 2024.
That availability and starters experience adds valuable competition to training camp in 2026, but it obviously doesn't guarantee he's going to be a starter. In fact, you'd probably be better off betting on Ratledge starting at center and winning that competition after he was close to winning that role in his rookie year last season.
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Still, Glasgow was just such a disappointment that the team is obviously looking to present as many looks for Hank Fraley and Drew Petzing in training camp. Cutting Glasgow is not only a good decision performance-wise, but cap space-wise. The team saves $5.5 million by cutting him before June 1, and $7 million after, per Over The Cap. That gets the Lions to almost even.
Montgomery's trade return helps the Lions in more ways than one on their line, with Detroit now owning two fourth-rounders they could very well use to build out some depth on their offensive line. Scruggs' inclusion, plus this draft compensation, signals that Glasgow's days are numbered in Detroit.