The Detroit Lions have some decisions to make when it comes to the offseason, and deciding what the first move will be along the offensive line is arguably the most important.
There figures to be some major changes looming for a group that struggled in 2025. Just a year removed from being one of the best lines in the league, the Lions struggled, due mostly to the retirement of Frank Ragnow. Injuries also intervened, and a few veterans also began to be confronted by reality.
All of that adds up to a reckoning coming for 2026. The Lions need to prioritize the renovation of their offensive line first and foremost ahead of next season. Already, some folks are realizing that when it comes to primers for the offseason.
Pro Football Focus writer Ryan Smith took a look at the top needs of teams entering the offseason, and whether they should address them in free agency or the draft. In terms of Detroit, tackle was the spot identified, and Smith believes the ideal option exists in the draft with Utah's Spencer Fano.
"The Lions have been on the short list for the NFL's top offensive lines over the past few years but took a step back in 2025. All-Pro center Frank Ragnow retired shortly before the season, and left tackle Taylor Decker’s future is uncertain, as he has publicly considered retirement."
"Fano has experience at both tackle positions and was the highest-graded FBS tackle in 2024 (92.6). He allowed just five pressures (zero sacks) across 382 pass-blocking snaps this season and was a difference-maker in the run game."
While Fano does seem like a decent option in the draft for Detroit, the point stands that the Lions have two major needs up front. No matter what happens at tackle, the franchise needs to think hardest about making sure the middle of their offensive line is fortified for the future this offseason.
Lions' biggest need remains center no matter what happens at tackle
The Lions don't know what Decker's plan is yet, and it's likely to be a while before they do. No matter what he decides, it shouldn't change the plan from the front office this offseason. They need to prioritize signing the best free agent center on the market and go from there.
Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens is one player the Lions need to consider spending big money on this offseason. At 25, Linderbaum has already taken on the look of one of the best centers in the league as a three-time Pro Bowler. Rarely do those players come up in free agency, so it would be ideal for the Lions to find a way to get him to anchor their front.
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Losing Ragnow last season hurt the Lions most. No matter whether the Lions have a rookie at tackle or not, they can survive providing the middle of the line is stout. At one tackle spot, they've got an emerging rookie in Tate Ratledge. At the other, they have a potentially solid NFL pro in Christian Mahogany.
Detroit can bring along a new tackle at their own pace, and would have the option of moving Penei Sewell to the left side if they like a prospect better as a right tackle. The draft is also very deep at the position. That means they should have far more options at tackle than at center.
Linderbaum could help the Lions become strong up the middle once more. It makes center the most important need the franchise can address and target to start the offseason.