The Detroit Lions have some heavy lifting to do this offseason, and the majority of their work will have to be done along the offensive line.
If there was one reason the Lions fell backward in 2025, it was the front. After Frank Ragnow's abrupt retirement, the Lions never recovered. Graham Glasgow was an up and down replacement, and the entire operation struggled as a result.
Entering this offseason, the Lions have lost backup tackle Dan Skipper to retirement. Glasgow could be purged from the roster. There's a genuine thought that Taylor Decker could be next. Even if Decker comes back, the Lions have to start thinking about a contingency plan moving forward for 2026.
Rather than spending money on the position in a weak free agency class, the Lions are likely to look for their next tackle in the draft. That's good news given the fact that the class seems very stocked this year. It's a factor that could help the Lions cash in with a great player while checking off other needs.
DetroitLions.com writer Tim Twentyman recently took a closer look at the offensive tackle position this offseason. His conclusion was a sound one. Detroit should have the opportunity to add a young tackle this offseason.
"If the Lions are looking to add a young tackle to the mix in 2026, this is a good year to do it as it's a very strong class in this year's NFL Draft. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had six tackles go in the first round of his recently released mock draft with Spencer Fano (Utah) and Francis Mauigoa (Miami) going in the top 5. Other first rounders included Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Blake Miller (Clemson) and Caleb Lomu (Utah)."
With that fact in mind, the Lions might not have to panic at tackle, even in the draft. They can simply trust their scouting, and perhaps find a great player in the middle of the first-round or even in the second-round. With a poor free agency class, this is even more the case.
Brad Holmes, for many of his small faults, has drafted well up front. He's found the likes of Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge. It's more than possible he could score again outside of the first-round and address some other needs.
Penei Sewell still believes in Lions' ability to create a top offensive line
No matter who plays the other tackle spot, the Lions will feel secure in knowing that Sewell will have the other position locked down. Even though Sewell himself didn't have his most elite season in 2025, he was still very good. He sets the tone every single day for whomever is in the room.
Heading into next season, Sewell is very optimistic that the Lions will be able to turn things around up front. The reason? There is a strong culture within Detroit's offensive line, and every player will be invested in improvement during the offseason.
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"You could just look around at the type of guys we have in the locker room. We were so close that one year (in 2023). We have the guys. The belief will never change. So going into next year, I think it's just the little things we've got to focus on detail-wise, whether it's an individual technique or in the play itself. We just got to come together and work on that."
It's very likely that Sewell and the Lions will have a new young player to bring along at offensive tackle this year. The only lingering question revolves around what point of the draft they will be selected.