Because of their offensive line’s inconsistent play last year, the Detroit Lions entered the offseason knowing they needed to improve the interior of their line. So far, they’ve followed through with this plan, acquiring offensive linemen Juice Scruggs and two draft picks from the Houston Texans in exchange for David Montgomery, and releasing Graham Glasgow.
While it’s unclear where exactly they’ll put Scruggs, they couldn’t have acquired him at a better time. On Tuesday, ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Chicago Bears' starting center Drew Dalman “has informed the team he is retiring from the NFL at age 27.” Dalman’s decision certainly came as a surprise to many, as he instantly became a staple to the Bears’ offensive line, earning a Pro-Bowl selection with his stellar play this past season.
If Dalman had retired a day or two earlier, the Bears could’ve been in play to acquire Scruggs. Instead, the Lions benefit from the timing of his decision, acquiring a cheap, versatile offensive lineman who can help solidify their line, as their division rival scrambles with free agency less than one week away.
Lions Capitalize on Timing of Dalman’s Retirement
In his three seasons with the Texans, Scruggs has been serviceable at best. Across 1,829 career snaps, playing both guard positions and center, Scruggs has allowed nine sacks and 34 hurries, committing 13 penalties.
While those numbers may not seem too bad, according to Pro Football Focus, he hasn’t been good. This past season, Scruggs received an overall grade of 45 from Pro Football Focus, ranking 78th among 81 qualified guards.
While these numbers are abysmal, we must cut Scruggs some slack. Not only did he appear in just 351 offensive snaps, splitting time at both guard positions, but he also played for the Houston Texans, who’ve had horrendous line play these past few seasons.
Granted, if Scruggs played great, he wouldn’t have gotten benched; however, he wasn’t set up to succeed either. Considering the Lions' limited financial flexibility and crowded center market, the move to acquire him should be applauded.
Acquiring Scruggs was a low-risk, high-reward move by the Lions. Scruggs, 26, has one year remaining on his four-year, $6.09 million rookie contract, giving him plenty of room to grow and develop at a reasonable price point.
His experience playing the interior provides the Lions with insurance and versatility as they figure out their starting combination. Scruggs’ performance should elevate with a better coaching staff and offensive line. And if he doesn’t, the team can let him walk next year, and it won’t cost them anything.
Lions Aren’t Obligated to Spend Big at Center
Now that the Lions have Scruggs, they won’t have to feel the pressure to make a splash signing in free agency. Looking at the center market, there are a few quality players available, such as Tyler Linderbaum, Connor McGovern, and Cade Mays. These three will command lucrative contracts, according to Spotrac, with Linderbaum projected to land a four-year, $70.9 million contract.
Outside of that group, however, the talent isn’t so great. Since several teams, like the Bears, desperately need centers, they’ll likely have to overpay to secure one. While the players and their agents love to hear that, front offices aren't nearly as excited about that scenario playing out this offseason. Now, Detroit doesn't face that same pressure after acquiring Scruggs from Houston.
Even though the Lions could look to sign a center in free agency, they won’t have to feel obligated to spend all their cap space to acquire one. Trading for Scruggs provides the Lions’ offensive line stability at a low cost.