By Blessing 
Lions Swap Out Injured Rookie for NFL-Experienced CB Divaad Wilson
As the Detroit Lions ramp up for their next round of organized team activities (OTAs), they’ve made a quiet but meaningful adjustment to their secondary.
According to Monday’s update on the NFL’s official transaction wire, the Lions have signed cornerback Divaad Wilson, a former New York Giant. To make room on the roster, they’ve waived rookie cornerback Gavin Holmes with an injury designation.
Holmes, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft, had been hoping to carve out a place on Detroit’s depth chart despite being undersized at 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds. Unfortunately, an unspecified injury has temporarily halted his journey, sidelining him before he even had a real shot to prove himself on the field.
If Holmes clears waivers without being claimed by another team, he’ll revert to the Lions’ injured reserve list. From there, his future will depend on whether Detroit chooses to keep him or reach an injury settlement that lets him pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Detroit Adds Experience with Divaad Wilson
While Holmes was seen as an intriguing young prospect, the Lions have opted to bring in a defensive back with a bit more seasoning. Divaad Wilson isn’t a household name, but he has logged real NFL snaps—something that could give him a leg up in Detroit’s highly competitive cornerback room.
Wilson, who went undrafted in 2023, has spent time with both the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants. He made his NFL debut with the Cardinals and even earned a start during his rookie season, notching four tackles while playing every defensive snap in that game.
His role has since shifted more toward special teams, but he hasn’t faded into the background. Wilson appeared in the Giants’ 2024 regular-season finale, contributing on defense with 26 snaps, collecting five tackles, a defensive stop, and his first career pass breakup.
For the Lions, Wilson is the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward player that makes sense this time of year. He’ll compete for a reserve role behind established starters like D.J. Reed and first-round rookie Terrion Arnold. It won’t be an easy climb, though. Detroit’s cornerback competition is fierce, with names like Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin all battling for limited spots.
Still, if Wilson can continue to shine on special teams and hold his own in coverage, he may just find a home in Detroit’s secondary rotation.
Bigger News at Center: Frank Ragnow Retires
While the cornerback shuffle is notable, it’s not the biggest roster development for the Lions this week.
In a surprise move that stunned fans and teammates alike, Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow announced on Monday that he’s retiring from the NFL at the age of 29. The veteran lineman cited health concerns as the driving force behind his decision.
“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not, and it’s time to prioritize my health and my [family’s] future. I have given this team everything I have, and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.”
Ragnow’s exit leaves a significant void in the middle of the offensive line—one that Detroit will need to fill quickly as they prepare for training camp and the upcoming season.
One likely option is shifting veteran lineman Graham Glasgow back to center, a position he’s played capably in the past. Alternatively, the Lions might lean on rookie second-round pick Tate Ratledge, who has been cross-training at center this offseason. NFL analyst Trevor Sikkema noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Ratledge has been working at the position during team activities.
No matter which direction the Lions go, adding reinforcements to their interior offensive line now seems more likely. Whether it’s bringing in a true center to compete with Glasgow or Ratledge or targeting a versatile guard who can offer depth, Detroit’s front office suddenly has another roster puzzle to solve.
For now, though, all eyes will be on how Divaad Wilson fits into the defense—and how the Lions navigate life after Frank Ragnow.