Graham Glasgow came back to the Detroit Lions last offseason, on what amounted to a one-year "prove it" deal after being cut by the Denver Broncos. And prove it he did, registering a top-10 overall Pro Football Focus grade for his work at right guard.
It's fair to say the Lions want Glasgow back, and it's fair to also assume he'd like to be back. But he openly acknowledged how he has earned a significant raise based on his performance this season, and it sounds like he plans to set what else might be out there on the open market.
"I would love to be back," Glasgow said. "I think I had a really good year, probably top one or two of my career. I would like to make more money than I did this year and I would assume the guys upstairs know and understand that. I feel like stuff like this kind of works. Hopefully, we'll be able to work through it."
Whether Lions' fans like it or not, Glasgow should get as much as he can get over as many years as he can get it. The question is if his best offer comes from Detroit. Maybe he takes slightly less to come back.
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, within the premise of if free agents leave their 2023 team, has projected landing spots for some top free agent offensive lineman.
Spielberger has the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams as potential landing spots for Glasgow, and he would of course reunite with Matthew Stafford in the latter spot.
PFF offers a couple pivot options for Detroit Lions if they have to replace Graham Glasgow
Using PFF's top-150 free agents list, Spielberger also offered the Lions as a landing spot for multiple potential pivot options to replace Glasgow.
First up, at No. 25 on PFF free agents list, is Michael Onwenu. He has spent the first four seasons of his career with the New England Patriots.
"Onwenu may be viewed as a tackle by some teams, which would push him to those offers if that is also his preference, but with Detroit potentially set to lose both starting guards to free agency, Onwenu returns to the state of Michigan, where he played college ball for the Wolverines. A right side of the line with Penei Sewell and Onwenu would be absolute smash-mouth football in the run game."
At No. 32 on PFF's top-150, is Kevin Zeitler. The veteran has spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
"Zeitler was looking for an extension from the Ravens before the season, but it never came to pass. Baltimore has so many key free-agent decisions that perhaps they will prioritize other spots, with both starting guards set to hit the market.....Detroit also has both guard spots open heading into 2023, and the veteran Zeitler resembles a great fit as an elite pass protector next to the mauling Penei Sewell."
As long as they make a competitive offer to him, Glasgow feels more likely to stay in Detroit than leave. But Onwenu and Zeitler are two top-notch pivot options if the Lions have to consider how they'll replace him.