Kingsley Eguakun's tenure with the Detroit Lions has seemingly come to an end ahead of Week 18. Per Ian Rapoport, Eguakun was signed off of the Lions' practice squad by the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, shipping the center off to the AFC North and leaving Detroit without him as an option at center for the final week of the 2025 season.
Eguakun, who was a UDFA signing by the Lions, was seen as a potential answer to their hole at center in the future. He needed work to develop into a starting center ahead of the 2026 season, hypothetically, but it was clear that Detroit saw a vision with him as he started against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day as well as against the Pittsburgh Steelers the week prior.
While he looked so-so in both outings, he was certainly much better than what Trystan Colon had to offer in his limited snaps at center with Graham Glasgow out. Now, the Browns will be likely utilizing Eguakun immediately given the injury to their starting center, Ethan Pocic.
Lions lose Eguakun to Browns
Eguakun had posted a 62.7 pass blocking grade from PFF in addition to a 43.2 run blocking grade through 138 total snaps played. That's not nearly enough to have gotten a full read on his ability to play center for the Lions, but he definitely seemed like an upgrade at the position from their other backups.
Glasgow might be able to suit up in Week 18, but that's besides the point. Eguakun would've likely been in the competition for the center position heading into camp in 2026 had the Lions retained him past cuts and the draft, especially given their cash constraints that will be making it difficult for them to land a high-end center in free agency or via trade.
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Eguakun is also only 24 years old, which is a huge upgrade age-wise to Glasgow, a veteran guard-turned-center who is likely looking to shift back to his old position. No one expects Eguakun to develop into the next Ragnow, but he could've at least been in the conversation to be the starting center for next season.
Now, Detroit has to look seriously at the draft as one of their last avenues to land a legitimate starting center for 2026.