Detroit Lions camp preview: Offense's potential pinned to retooled line
Allen Park — No Detroit Lions position group got more (deserved) attention this offseason than the offensive line.
Detroit’s blocking was far from being a disaster, but the group fell short of lofty standards it established the previous few years, including 2025, when the offense reset the franchise record for points scored.
The decline hinged around the abrupt retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, but was also impacted by injuries on the left side and the anticipated acclimation period for rookie Tate Ratledge.
The struggles were particularly noticeable with the protection. Obviously, no one needs any reminders about the problems the Minnesota Vikings presented in both matchups a year ago, but overall, the team’s 24.6% pressure rate allowed ranked bottom-10. Paired with quarterback Jared Goff taking less time to throw than any quarterback in the league last season, that’s unacceptable.
To rectify the shortcomings, the Lions first focused on upgrading their situation at center. After releasing veteran Graham Glasgow, the team moved quickly to sign Carolina’s Cade Mays in free agency.
Mays was the best option available who fit Detroit’s budget. They couldn’t afford Tyler Linderbaum, who received the largest contract ever awarded a center, by a large margin. Meanwhile, Connor McGovern, another viable solution, re-upped with Buffalo shortly before he hit the market.
Beyond Mays, Detroit also made a change at offensive tackle. Longtime blindside blocker Taylor Decker was granted his release after rejecting a pay cut, leading to the signing of veteran Larry Borom.
A 14-game starter for Miami last season, Borom thrived in pass protection while playing right tackle, paving the way for Penei Sewell to flip sides to his college position.
Detroit also added depth to compete for the left guard job, picking up Juice Scruggs in a trade and signing Ben Bartch to a low-cost deal in free agency.
The team could have rested on the laurels of that overhaul. Instead, they took advantage of a deep crop of tackles in the draft, selecting Clemson’s Blake Miller in the first round, securing a long-term solution at right tackle.
Now, the pieces are in place for a resurgence with the group that has fueled Detroit’s offensive success. Here’s what we’ll be monitoring when the team reconvenes for training camp later this month.