The Detroit Lions and the rest of the 31 teams across the NFL are officially in offseason mode with Super Bowl 60 in the books.
One of the Lions’ first tasks on their offseason agenda will be preparing for the NFL scouting combine, as they need to hit a home run in the 2026 NFL draft. While doing that, the team will also have to decide which free agents they want to keep in the Motor City for another year, or let walk.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alex Anzalone, and D.J. Reader are at the top of mind for many Lions fans heading into free agency. But they can’t forget about other free agents, such as Trystan Colon, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin, who provided solid depth on one-year deals this season.
Colon is one of those free agents who could be playing elsewhere in 2026; however, based on what he put on film during the regular season, it may be enough to keep him around for another year.
Lions Must Figure Out Whether Trystan Colon Is Part of 2026 Plans
Last offseason, the Lions signed Colon to a cheap one-year deal for $1.27 million to compete for a roster spot and provide depth on the offensive line. At the time, Detroit didn’t think that it would have to call Colon into action, but the injury bug reappeared this season.
Detroit dealt with injuries across its offensive line as starters Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and Taylor Decker all missed some time. With those guys being banged up, it opened the door for backups such as Colon and Kayode Awosika to get regular-season snaps.
Colon played sporadically between Weeks 3-12, but was pushed into the spotlight in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. The veteran lineman played a season-high 63 offensive snaps and recorded a dismal 49.6 offensive grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Glasgow returned the next week, allowing Colon to start at right guard in Weeks 14 and 15 for an injured Awosika, but Colon left much to be desired.
According to PFF, the versatile offensive lineman allowed 10 pressures and had a disappointing 44.2 overall grade over those three weeks. Based on those numbers, it makes sense why some Lions fans wouldn’t be sad if Colon left.
Despite his struggles, one could argue that Colon’s versatility gives him an advantage over Awosika, who is also a free agent but did not play well.
With there being some uncertainty heading into next season around Glasgow’s future, and the idea of moving Tate Ratledge over to center, the Lions need someone who can jump between those spots in case of emergency.
Colon is the perfect guy to step in, despite his struggles in pass protection (34.4 grade). Looking at Detroit’s o-line depth ahead of free agency, the veteran lineman is the best ready-to-play option. Even though Frazier has the most upside, as we saw the Lions throw him into the mix at right guard during the Cowboys’ game, which Colon started.
That said, Spotrac projects Colon’s market value as a one-year, $1.6 million deal in free agency. If that’s the case, Detroit shouldn’t overthink about bringing him back, as having cheap quality on the offensive line is a must in today’s NFL.