The Detroit Lions head into the offseason looking to make some moves that will improve their chances next season. According to Spotrac, the Lions currently have -$9 million in cap space, but that number will increase after the NFL revealed that the 2026 salary cap will be set between $301.2 million and $305.7 million.
One of the biggest areas where the Lions need to improve comes at OL, and that's why the thought of cutting OL Graham Glasgow would be positive for Detroit. And that would help kick off February on a nice note.
Lions Should Consider Moving On from Graham Glasgow in February
Glasgow is entering the last season of a three-year, $20 million deal. Per Spotrac, he's set to make $8.4 million in 2026, but if the Lions released him, they would save around $5.6 million.
This past season, the Lions allowed 39 sacks, a chief reason why the offense took a step back. Although Glasgow wasn't the main problem there, his play has been underwhelming for the last two seasons.
In 2024, he played left guard but moved over to center in 2025 after Frank Ragnow retired. Despite being versatile, Glasgow didn't play well. According to Pro Football Focus, he had an overall grade of 56.8 (33rd among 40 graded centers), a pass-blocking grade of 61.3 (26th among 40 graded centers), and a run-blocking grade of 54.3 (36th among 40 graded centers) this season.
Glasgow allowed 19 total pressures and eight QB hits, as well. And this was the second straight season in which he has posted grades of 57 or lower across the board on PFF.
Glasgow has spent seven years with the Lions, providing them with some stability, but it's time to close the door. He's set to turn 34 years old in August, and his best days are undoubtedly behind him. The Lions' offensive line needs to play better in 2026, and moving on from Glasgow would be a step towards fixing that.
During the 2025 NFL draft, the Lions selected Tate Ratledge in the second round, and he played in all 18 games. Not only that, he flashed as a building block for this offensive line, especially as a run blocker. He posted a 73.5 run-blocking grade (12th among 91 graded guards), via PFF. While he has room to grow as a pass-blocker, the arrow is pointing up and shows the Lions' ability to draft good linemen.
They've done it with Ratledge, Ragnow, Penei Sewell, and Taylor Decker over the last decade. Moving on from Glasgow will create a void on the offensive line, but saving the money will help them more going forward.
And they should use free agency or the NFL draft to find his replacement for the now and future.