The Detroit Lions allowed the 15th-most sacks (39) during the 2025 campaign and have already undergone several changes to the offensive line this offseason. Detroit released starting center Graham Glasgow, a move that looks smarter by the day, but was thrown a shocking curveball when starting left tackle Taylor Decker requested his release after the franchise had asked him to take a pay cut.
Christian Mahogany currently finds himself as the starting left guard amid the rash of OL changes, but he was the weaker link at that position for Detroit in 2025 and may have some stiff competition for the starting role. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Lions have signed former San Francisco 49ers free agent OL Ben Bartch.
In addition to Bartch, the Lions also brought in former Houston Texans OL Juice Scruggs. While Scruggs did not exactly stand out on Houston's poor line play, allowing nine sacks and 34 hurries, in addition to committing 13 penalties during his tenure with the franchise. He and Bartch have been starters before and have more overall experience than Mahogany, making for clear competition for the starting role.
Christian Mahogany's Starting Spot Is in Jeopardy After Recent Additions
It is no secret that Detroit dealt with numerous injuries throughout the 2025 season, and Mahogany was no different. He suffered a left leg injury against the Minnesota Vikings in November, but eventually returned as the OL troubles reached a critical stage toward the end of the regular season. When he returned from injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he gave up a sack and played a key role in QB Jared Goff going down for a safety.
For someone who had been out of action for several weeks, a little rust was to be expected. However, Mahogany's overall performance left a lot to be desired. Although his run block grade (68) ranked 27th out of 81 qualified guards, according to Pro Football Focus, his overall grade (59.7) and pass block grade (40.7) were below average and concerning for a player in contention for a starting spot on the OL. While his performance should not be measured on that alone, there is certainly a level of concern there when you consider the new-look OL surrounding him as well.
As Pride of Detroit's Al Karsten pointed out, Bartch only started two games at left guard each of the last two seasons with the 49ers, while 15 of his 26 career starts have come at the position. Furthermore, his PFF offensive grade (71.7) was 22nd among guards last season (min. 200 snaps), which suggests he is more than capable of taking the starting spot away from Mahogany.
Scruggs gives the Lions a low-risk, high-reward addition and someone who can provide some versatility and experience after splitting time at both guard positions in Houston. Again, his performance was nothing to brag about, but the Texans have been one of the league's worst offensive lines, so that could have easily just been a product of the team's struggles rather than his underwhelming play on the field.
That is not to say that Mahogany will lose the starting role, but he is certainly under a lot of pressure coming off the injury and a subpar 2025 season. The addition of Bartch and Scruggs may elevate his performance, but Detroit brought both veterans in, suggesting the confidence may not be there with him and that his starting spot could be hanging in the balance.