The Detroit Lions were blindsided in early June when star center Frank Ragnow unexpectedly hung up his cleats. His retirement left a gaping hole in the middle of one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines—and now the Lions are scrambling to patch it before training camp kicks off.
Ragnow, the 20th-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had developed into a rock-solid force in the trenches. A three-time Pro Bowler and one of the most respected anchors in the league, he was just hitting his prime when he decided to walk away for the sake of his long-term health. It was a gut punch to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
To make matters worse, Detroit also lost starting left guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Just like that, the heart of their offensive line has gone from strength to question mark.
Christian Mahogany showed promise in limited action last season—including a key start in the Divisional Round—and enters camp as the early favorite to fill Zeitler’s shoes. Meanwhile, the Lions used a second-round pick on Tate Ratledge and added Miles Frazier in the fifth to boost their depth.
Ratledge, a bruiser from Georgia, could be asked to take the wheel at center right away. Another route could see Graham Glasgow sliding over from guard to center, letting Ratledge stay put at right guard. But no matter how you slice it, this interior line shuffle carries plenty of unknowns.
That's why the Lions should give free agent guard Brandon Scherff a call.
Lions Must Target Brandon Scherff in Free Agency
The former No. 5 overall pick and five-time Pro Bowler is still on the market, and the Lions would be wise to give him a ring. While Scherff isn’t the road-grading All-Pro he once was, he’s still a tough, savvy veteran who can hold his own. He’s been a steady hand the last three seasons, starting every game and keeping quarterbacks upright with his smart play and gritty presence.
Sliding Scherff into the starting lineup at right guard would allow Detroit to let Glasgow and Ratledge duke it out for the center job without rushing either decision. It would also give the Lions some breathing room as their young linemen continue to develop behind the scenes.
This isn’t about finding a long-term solution—it’s about bridging the gap without letting the offense take a step back. The Lions are built to win right now, and a shaky interior line is the last thing they need in a loaded NFC North.
Bringing in Scherff isn’t just insurance—it’s a low-risk move that keeps the Lions’ offensive engine humming. When the margin for error is razor-thin, adding a proven mauler like Scherff might be just the boost Detroit needs to stay in the fast lane.