By Sunday 
Sometimes, the offseason hits harder than any edge rusher.
Just ask the Detroit Lions, who now find themselves scrambling for answers after one of their quietest offseason surprises turned into a potential long-term headache: the sudden retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow. At just 29 years old, Ragnow called it quits, leaving a huge void smack in the middle of one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines.
And to twist the knife a little deeper? The guy who might’ve been the perfect replacement was scooped up — by a division rival, no less.
Dalman to the Bears? That One Hurts
When Drew Dalman inked a deal with the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason, nobody batted an eye in Detroit. Why would they? Ragnow was still in the picture, healthy(ish), and anchoring the line. But hindsight has a cruel sense of humor.
Dalman, the former Atlanta Falcons center, would’ve slotted into Ragnow’s spot almost seamlessly. He’s just 26, finished the 2024 season with a stellar 78.8 PFF grade (4th among all NFL centers), and posted a run blocking grade of 79.8, nearly mirroring Ragnow’s elite production. In short, Dalman was the answer — they just didn’t know they needed one yet.
Now? He’s in Chicago. Protecting Caleb Williams. For them.
The Current Candidates: Familiar Faces, Big Questions
So what now for Detroit?
With no Dalman safety net, the Lions are weighing two in-house options: Graham Glasgow and Tate Ratledge.
Glasgow’s the safe bet. He’s got NFL reps at center (mostly with the Broncos), knows the offense, and has the trust of the coaching staff. But let’s be real — he wasn’t exactly lights-out the last time he snapped the ball full-time.
Ratledge, on the other hand, is the exciting unknown. He took some center reps in college and is reportedly getting looks at the position during OTAs. But again… he’s a rookie. Tossing him into the fire and shifting positions before his first NFL snap? That’s a bold gamble — and bold gambles in the trenches don’t always go well.
From Strength to ??? in the Trenches
A few weeks ago, Detroit’s O-line was being talked about as one of the best in football. Now? With Ragnow retired and no surefire replacement on the roster, things look a whole lot murkier.
Sure, it’s only June. No panic buttons are being slammed yet. But let’s be honest — this is a team with Super Bowl aspirations. That means protecting Jared Goff and opening lanes for Montgomery and Gibbs isn’t optional — it’s mandatory.
And when your top option retires and your dream backup lands with the Bears?
Well, that stings.
Bottom Line
Drew Dalman might’ve been the answer — if only the Lions had known the question.
Now, it’s on Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell to make something out of a less-than-ideal hand. Can Glasgow hold the line? Will Ratledge grow into a surprise star? Or is another move still on the horizon?
One thing’s for sure: the Bears just got a sneaky W — and Detroit’s got work to do.