On Monday, Detroit Lions middle Frank Ragnow introduced his retirement. The one constructive for the Lions is that this protects cap house.
Ragnow, 29, had two years remaining on his contract, and his 2025 base wage was $9.15M. Nonetheless, the Lions would a lot moderately have him on their roster.
Since taking Ragnow with decide No. 20 within the 2018 NFL Draft, the previous Arkansas Razorback has change into a key piece for one of many high offensive strains within the NFL.
In seven seasons with Detroit, he has made 4 Professional Bowls and earned three second-team All-Professional nods. In 16 regular-season video games final season, he posted an 85.3 Pro Football Focus grade, the third-best mark at his place.
Ragnow’s retirement would not torpedo the Lions O-line. It returns three of its 5 starters in 2025, together with proper sort out Penei Sewell, who earned his second first-team All-Professional nod final season.
Nonetheless, they might lack a transparent substitute for Ragnow. They may transfer backup guard Graham Glasgow to middle, however he posted a subpar 57.9 PFF grade in 16 regular-season video games final season.
The Lions took Georgia O-lineman Tate Ratledge with decide No. 57 within the 2025 NFL Draft. He can play middle, however Lions O-line coach Hank Fraley mentioned he wants time to be taught Detroit’s system.
“Our facilities, like throughout the entire league, they do rather a lot, they’ve rather a lot on their plates,” Fraley mentioned in April, through Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “They’re like quarterbacks on that O-line. They set plenty of the protections, plenty of the calls they usually work one-on-one with the QB. So in time [Ratledge is] going to get it down and change into a superb fairly middle right here.”
The Lions ought to focus extra on maximizing their Tremendous Bowl window as an alternative of growing rookies. Detroit went 15-2 final season however misplaced to the Washington Commanders, 45-31, within the NFC divisional spherical.
Ragnow’s retirement could not forestall the Lions from hoisting their first Lombardi Trophy. Nevertheless, it offers them one downside they have to rapidly remedy earlier than the beginning of the season.
