If one lesson has been learned by the Detroit Lions over the last couple seasons, it's how offensive line depth can be easily tested. Beyond the signing of center Cade Mays, the signing of offensive tackle Larry Borom is a nice step on that front.
But it's also safe to say more needs to be done. A rookie of some sort is probably coming in the draft, but another veteran addition might be nice and an interesting option is now available.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Arizona Cardinals have released veteran interior offensive lineman Evan Brown.
The Cardinals released veteran C/G Evan Brown, per the transaction wire.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2026
A return to Detroit could be in play for Evan Brown
Of course Lions' fans may remember Brown from his time in Detroit. After bouncing around early in his career, he found a home with the Lions late in the 2020 season. In 2021, when Frank Ragnow missed the final 13 games of season after first suffering the turf toe injury that would trail him the rest of his career, Brown started 12 games at center and acquitted himself well.
Then in 2022, when Halapoulivaati Vaitai missed the entire season with a back injury, Brown started 11 games at right guard for the Lions (and one at center when Ragnow was out).
As the Lions pivoted to bring Graham Glasgow back, Brown signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 free agency and he started 16 games at center for them that season. He then signed with the Cardinals in 2024, and started 28 games at left guard for them over the last two seasons. With a new coaching regime in place, his departure from Arizona isn't a big shock.
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Of course those two seasons in Arizona provide another tie back to the Lions for Brown. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing was the Cardinals' offensive coordinator for the last three seasons, and he was also on the Cleveland Browns' staff when Brown spent time there in 2020.
Brown is not someone you're signing to be a starter. But he has performed at a passable level over double-digit games at all three interior line spots in recent years, including back-to-back years at two different spots when he was in Detroit, and when injuries have hit over the last couple years the Lions have done a lot worse to fill those voids.
The Lions value fit and their familiarity with players very highly. Among available veteran offensive lineman, Brown now seems to stand atop the heap in those core things.