The Detroit Lions are currently reeling following the stunning retirement of 29-year-old All-Pro center Frank Ragnow on Tuesday, and now the organization has to figure out how to replace one of the best linemen in the entire NFL.
Ragnow was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. While there were some predictions regarding who could replace him, the franchise has seemingly made its decision with a surprise signing on Wednesday.
In fact, Detroit elected to sign a versatile former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals lineman in the wake of the news.
The #Lions are signing veteran OL Trystan Colon to a one-year deal, source says. The former #Ravens and #AZCardinals guard/center, who started seven games for Arizona last season, joins Detroit after the retirement of Frank Ragnow. pic.twitter.com/8QD8Tlmbo3
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 4, 2025
Lions Sign OL Trystan Colon After Surprise Frank Ragnow Retirement
As reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Detroit signed Trystan Colon to a one-year deal on Wednesday. He has experience at both guard and center, making him a unique addition who could start right away for the Lions.
The 27-year-old Missouri Tigers product entered the league as an undrafted free agent but quickly made an impact, serving as a key depth piece who could play a variety of positions along the line. He started seven games for the Cardinals in 2024, ranking an exceptional 29th out of 136 qualified guards at Pro Football Focus.
It's not yet clear whether the coaching staff intends to make Colon a starter, though he has the ability to replace Ragnow if necessary. In all likelihood, the team will prefer to bring in additional competition and determine a starter following that. However, Colon's signing represents that the front office is hard at work given the news.
Entering his sixth year in the NFL, Colon still has potentially untapped upside. The Lions' biggest advantage over teams in the NFC was their excellent offensive line. Ragnow was a major part of that and his absence will be felt in a significant way.
Hopefully, Colon can help ease that new burden. He likely won't achieve the same level of success that Ragnow did, but it's a wise signing regardless. Based on his great work last year in limited action, Colon could wind up being one of the biggest acquisitions of the summer.