This offseason, the Detroit Lions have once again undergone some more change. It isn't nearly the type of change that last offseason brought, but still significant, nonetheless.
The biggest change, of course, has happened up front across the offensive line. With stalwart center Frank Ragnow's retirement still leaving a void at center, the Lions brought in Cade Mays on a very reasonable deal. That was a smart move by Brad Holmes, but there's another spot that fans are begging to be fixed, as well.
It isn't a secret. It's left tackle. With the Lions releasing Taylor Decker, there was a massive hole left. And, thus far, general manager Brad Holmes has not inspired fans with how he's attacked the void.
ESPN's Ben Solak agrees, too, as he pointed out the left tackle spot being the No. 1 thing he didn't love about Detroit's offseason so far.
"I didn't love: Left tackle. Larry Borom is a good swing backup, but the Lions don't want to live in a world where he starts 17 games on Jared Goff's blind side. Goff, for all of his improvements and strengths, is simply not a springy mover. He needs clean pockets."
The Detroit Lions have one more shot to correct the left tackle position, or Jared Goff is in trouble
Solak is absolutely right on, here. As good as Jared Goff has been since his career was turned around in Detroit, he is still a quarterback that needs to be protected. Goff doesn't offer the mobility that many other quarterbacks do, these days.
When overwhelming pressure comes, Goff is a goner. We know this all too well. And, if we're thinking either Larry Borom or Giovanni Manu are going to help this cause, we'd be kidding ourselves.
Borom is a fine backup who could provide a few spot starts, here and there, but he is nowhere near good enough to protect Goff for an entire season. If the Lions waltz into the 2026 campaign with Borom (an ex-Chicago Bears castoff, mind you) as their starting left tackle, it's over.
The same could be said for Manu, the 2024 fourth-round pick. A lot of fans weren't sold on the Manu selection, and nothing has changed. Manu might be a fine reserve, but can he hold down the most important position on offense, other than quarterback, for an entire season?
Fat chance.
"With the 17th pick, the Lions are squarely in contention for a franchise left tackle, and I'd put a lot of theoretical chips on that being their first-round target," Solak finished.
And that, folks, is exactly where the minds of Lions fans should be at the moment. There are other positions of need, yes. But, to be able to get a franchise left tackle in the first round should be priority number one.
If the Lions do that, then they're in good shape.