By Sunday 
How Tate Ratledge’s signing closes a nerve-wracking chapter—and opens new protection possibilities for Jared Goff
No More Drama in Detroit
The Detroit Lions can finally exhale. The last piece of their 2025 draft class puzzle has officially clicked into place. Tate Ratledge—the powerful interior lineman out of Georgia—has signed his rookie contract, putting to rest a second-round signing standoff that had Lions fans biting their nails for weeks.
Ratledge, selected 57th overall, inked a four-year deal worth $7.652 million with a $2.21 million signing bonus. While details of the guaranteed money haven’t been released, this move signals one thing loud and clear: Detroit is serious about solidifying their offensive trenches.
The Second-Round Ripple Effect
Let’s back up a bit. The delay wasn’t just about Ratledge being difficult—this was part of a league-wide ripple effect. It all started when the Houston Texans handed out a fully guaranteed contract to second-rounder Jayden Higgins. Not long after, the Cleveland Browns followed suit with Carson Schwesinger.
That set a new precedent—one that second-round picks across the league were eager to match. The result? A logjam of unsigned contracts, Ratledge’s included.
But with training camp looming, Detroit got it done. And not a moment too soon.
Meet Tate Ratledge: Bulldog Turned Lion
At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Ratledge isn’t just a body on the line—he’s a bulldozer. A two-time national champion at Georgia, he was graded highly by Pro Football Focus, especially for his run-blocking ability. His 74.7 run-blocking grade speaks to his mauler mentality—something that fits right in with Detroit’s grit-first culture.
What’s more, Ratledge has versatility. While primarily a right guard in college, he’s now being trained to take snaps at center. Why? Frank Ragnow, Detroit’s long-time anchor in the middle, retired after seven rock-solid seasons. That left a hole—and an opportunity.
The Center of the Future?
Offensive line coach Hank Fraley made it clear that Ratledge is undergoing a “cross-training” process. Center isn’t natural to him yet, but the coaching staff wants to get him reps snapping the ball to see if he can grow into the role.
If he doesn’t secure the center position, he’ll be right in the thick of the battle for a guard spot. With Graham Glasgow shifting around and Christian Mahogany in the mix too, the trenches will be one of the most competitive spots in camp.
Either way, Ratledge will be needed. The Lions traded up three spots to grab him for a reason. His blend of strength, versatility, and championship pedigree makes him more than just a roster filler—he could be a foundational piece.
Grit Meets Opportunity
This isn’t just about a rookie signing a deal. It’s about timing, culture, and alignment. Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built something real in Detroit—a locker room where “team-first” isn’t just lip service.
Ratledge joins a squad with big expectations and an offensive identity that starts in the trenches. His next challenge? Earn trust, master the playbook, and maybe—just maybe—snap footballs to Jared Goff come Week 1.
It took a while, but the wait might have been worth it.