The Detroit Lions' offseason is already in full swing. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Lions have already begun their revamping efforts, especially on the offensive end. After Graham Glasgow's release and the David Montgomery trade, significant roster changes will continue.
Historically, GM Brad Holmes has preferred a draft-and-develop approach. Believing in his board every spring, Holmes has built this team through the draft. Some Lions fans hope the team is more active in the trade market this time around (specifically, for Maxx Crosby), but most of the work will be done in the draft.
That doesn't mean, however, that the Lions can entirely ignore free agency. Even though the team isn't expected to make a big splash on the free agent market due to their limited cap space, the Lions can fill depth positions via free agency. In fact, an ideal option on the offensive line may have just emerged.
Mekhi Becton Could Be Ideal Lions Target in Free Agency
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that the Los Angeles Chargers were planning to release Mekhi Becton "in the coming days" as a cost-cutting move. The former Super Bowl champ couldn't meet expectations in Los Angeles, but would be a worthy gamble for the Lions, as they are looking to add more depth to the offensive line.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press recently reported that the Lions are thinking about moving Tate Ratledge to center and "open competition at the guard spots." Glasgow had spent all of last season at center, and the Lions are now faced with a massive hole there. New addition Juice Scruggs will be an option, but Ratledge likely offers more upside.
If Ratledge is the full-time starter at center, the Lions have to figure out their guards. Christian Mahogany should have the inside track to start at left guard. For right guard, Becton could be one of the better cheap options on the market.
Becton has had his ups and downs throughout his career. Coming into the league as an elite left tackle prospect, Becton's time with the Jets didn't go according to plan. He was able to turn things around when he signed with the Eagles in the 2024 offseason and became the starting right guard. This earned him a two-year, $20 million deal with the Chargers, but he wasn't able to replicate his performance in Philly.
Yet, Becton is still only 26 years old and has been a solid run blocker every year until last season. This should land him another opportunity, and the Lions should be among many teams willing to give him one.