The Detroit Lions underwent significant changes on the offensive line before the start of free agency. For starters, the Lions released starting center Graham Glasgow at the beginning of this month, freeing up $5.5 million in cap space.
After cutting ties with Glasgow, Detroit thought they would have starting left tackle Taylor Decker back for another season, which he announced on social media. However, Decker surprisingly requested his release, which the Lions granted on March 9. The Lions were able to free up $11.6 million in cap space.
With that newfound cap space, Detroit quickly found its Glasgow replacement at center, signing Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million deal. Mays is seven years younger than Glasgow and is better as a pass protector and run blocker. Nonetheless, the Lions hope Mays is the perfect fit to grow with this unit going forward.
Meanwhile, Glasgow has received little to no interest in free agency as we enter the third week, which makes it clear that Detroit made the right decision to move on.
Ex-Lion Graham Glasgow Still Unemployed as Free Agency Enters 3rd Week
Before free agency began a few weeks ago, there was a belief that the veteran center could be a cap casualty. In fact, when asked about his playing future in Detroit after the regular-season finale, Glasgow didn’t sound too confident.
“We’ll see,” Glasgow said when asked about playing again in 2026, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I mean, I’m still under contract next year, so unless that changes, I’m a Detroit Lion,” Glasgow continued. “But yeah, I guess, I don’t know.”
The 33-year-old starting lineman was ultimately right to have his suspicions as the Lions moved on after three years, which was his second stint with the club. When Glasgow returned to Detroit in 2023, he played right guard, making 15 starts.
Then, in 2024, the veteran offensive lineman switched to left guard, where he made 16 starts. Finally, last season, the Lions moved Glasgow to center after Frank Ragnow's sudden retirement. Glasgow wasn’t perfect at center as he allowed 19 total pressures, eight quarterback hits, and a sack. But he gave the Lions an adequate option to get them through the season.
That being said, one would think that Glasgow would have a market, considering his versatility on the interior offensive line. However, with the veteran turning 34 years old when training camp begins in July, those opportunities might not come. Or the other scenario might be that Glasgow is done playing after suiting up for 10 years?
As we move closer towards next month’s NFL draft and free agency falls by the wayside, it will be interesting to see if we hear any new updates on the former Lions starting center.