If the Detroit Lions had the means, they would have had the perfect player to target in free agency: Tyler Linderbaum.
The Baltimore Ravens center is a free agent ahead of the 2026 season, and he's likely to see a payday. According to Spotrac, it's estimated that he'll be looking at a deal in the range of 4 years and $70 million. While he would be an incredible addition to the Lions' offensive line and would immediately address their biggest hole on their IOL, he's incredibly in-affordable.
One extremely affordable option for the Lions at center, though, could exist on the roster already - Tate Ratledge. The now-second year guard had a good rookie season at right guard, but had also been taking reps at center during training camp prior to the season beginning.
This could indicate which direction the Lions are going to take in the offseason at the position if they remain cash-strapped.
Lions have a solution at center that could save them $70 million
Detroit toyed around with the idea of moving Ratledge to center following the shocking retirement of Frank Ragnow after the 2025 NFL Draft. He lost the job to veteran guard/center Graham Glasgow, since he had experience playing the position. But, it could be worth kicking the tires on this idea again to save the Lions some major cash.
Tim Twentyman, the Lions' team reporter, posted to social media all the way back in August that the team viewed Ratledge as their long-term solution at center. That strategy could've changed, of course, especially after seeing out well he did this season at right guard and how important it is to have a solid pass protecting center helping their offense.
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But, Ratledge could be shifted over, and could leave the Lions with a slightly more affordable choice of signing a right guard in free agency to replace him - ironically, Kevin Zeitler is a free agent this year, and a name worth monitoring on that front. In addition to him, a healthy Alijah Vera-Tucker could be a worthy investment, or even Ed Ingram.
Ratledge flipping over to center would be hugely impactful to the Lions' entire draft strategy, and their free agent spending. They could save a lot by just locating a serviceable veteran right guard to replace Ratledge, and could spend a top pick on a right guard to backup whichever veteran they slot in there.