Training camp was already shaping up to be competitive for the Detroit Lions’ offensive line—but when veteran center and team captain Frank Ragnow suddenly retired in early June, it kicked things into overdrive. What was once a normal camp battle has now become a full-blown war for starting spots.
Ragnow’s departure leaves a massive void right in the heart of Detroit’s offensive front, and now it’s next man up… but who exactly is that next man?
Several young linemen are throwing their hats into the ring. Rookies like Mason Miller, Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier, and Kingsley Eguakun are all trying to carve out roles—and maybe even land a starting job. None of them were projected to take on such a big role this soon, but the game doesn’t wait.
The Lions have built their identity around toughness in the trenches under Dan Campbell, and general manager Brad Holmes has made it clear that depth on the line is a top priority. With veterans already locked in at tackle, the fight for those interior spots—especially at center—is now one of the biggest storylines heading into camp.
Detroit’s offense has the talent to be explosive again in 2025, but that all starts with protecting Jared Goff. And that means somebody needs to step up and anchor that line where Ragnow once stood.
All eyes will be on the rookies when the pads come on.
Ragnow’s Retirement Cranks Up the Heat in Lions’ Offensive Line Battle
