By Moses Joshua 
Detroit may have just caught a much-needed break as the trade market opens up for offensive line help.
Lions’ Depth Tested After Mahogany’s Injury
The Detroit Lions entered Week 9 hoping to reset after their bye week, but instead, they left Minnesota with more problems than answers. Their third-down struggles resurfaced in a frustrating 27-24 loss to the Vikings — and to make matters worse, they lost guard Christian Mahogany to a knee injury that’s expected to keep him sidelined until at least December.
For a team already thin along the interior offensive line, the timing couldn’t be worse. But in an unexpected twist, help may have arrived at just the right moment.
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Washington Commanders are open to trading offensive linemen Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti. With Washington slipping to 3-6 and quarterback Jayden Daniels dealing with an elbow injury, the Commanders appear to be shifting into seller mode ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Two Intriguing Options for Detroit
Both Wylie and Allegretti could fill immediate needs for the Lions. Wylie brings versatility — he’s capable of lining up at both guard spots and even right tackle — while Allegretti offers postseason experience from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped protect Patrick Mahomes in multiple playoff runs.
Detroit’s rookie Tate Ratledge, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has held his own so far, earning a 68.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus with a strong 72.3 mark in run blocking. Still, his pass protection remains a work in progress (51.2 grade), and the Lions would prefer to keep him at his natural position rather than shuffle the lineup further.
That’s where a veteran like Wylie could be invaluable. At 31, he’s logged eight NFL seasons with Kansas City and Washington and offers proven flexibility. Given his expiring contract, it likely wouldn’t take more than a late Day 3 draft pick to acquire him.
Similarly, Allegretti, who has one year left on his deal, could bolster Detroit’s depth, even if he primarily plays on the right side. Both players are affordable, experienced, and immediately available — a rare combination this late in the year.
Time Is Running Out
With the trade deadline hours away, Detroit’s front office faces a critical decision. The injury to Mahogany could have been a devastating blow, but these new opportunities have given general manager Brad Holmes a lifeline.
Finding starting-caliber offensive linemen midway through the season is notoriously difficult, but if the Lions act quickly, they could solidify their protection for the playoff push.
For now, all eyes are on Detroit’s war room — and whether the team seizes this last-minute chance to keep its championship aspirations on track.