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Ragnow Skips OTAs, Raises Eyebrows
Detroit Lions fans may have noticed something a little off during the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) this week—Frank Ragnow wasn’t there. And now we know why.
According to Detroit Free Press insider Dave Birkett, Ragnow, the All-Pro center anchoring one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, is reportedly unhappy with the contract extension he signed back in 2021. At the time, it made him the highest-paid center in the league. Fast forward to 2025, and that deal isn’t looking so shiny anymore.
From Highest-Paid to Fourth Place
Ragnow’s four-year, $54 million contract sounded massive when he inked it. But NFL salaries escalate quickly—just ask Creed Humphrey, who now earns $4.5 million more per year than Ragnow.
While Ragnow is still pulling in $9.15 million this upcoming season, that number no longer reflects his performance or market value. And that seems to be the root of his frustration.
He’s Earned the Raise, No Doubt
The numbers—and the accolades—speak for themselves. Ragnow has been named an All-Pro in each of the first two seasons under his current deal. He’s the quiet engine of an offensive line that’s helped power Detroit into real contention territory.
And at just 29 years old, he’s still in his prime. It makes sense that he might want a contract that reflects both his contributions and his standing in the league.
Dan Campbell Keeps It Tight-Lipped
Head coach Dan Campbell was asked about Ragnow’s absence and kept things vague, saying only that both Ragnow and fellow OTA absentee Alex Anzalone had been “in contact” with the team. He didn’t go into specifics—which, frankly, just added more fuel to the speculation fire.
Will the Lions Step Up?
With two years still left on Ragnow’s deal, the Lions aren’t under pressure to make a move—but letting an All-Pro lineman stew in dissatisfaction rarely ends well.
Given how important Ragnow is to Detroit’s offense—and the team’s aspirations—it’s hard to imagine they won’t look at adjusting his pay sooner rather than later.
This one’s definitely a situation to watch as training camp inches closer.