Lions Face Tough Call on RFA Kayode Awosika as Offensive Line Depth Remains in Flux
As the Detroit Lions approach free agency, one of the key decisions they must make involves offensive lineman Kayode Awosika. The 25-year-old guard has been a reliable depth piece over the past three seasons, but his future with the team is now uncertain as Detroit evaluates its roster ahead of the 2025 season.
Awosika, a restricted free agent, has played in 25 games with five starts since joining the Lions in 2022. While his Pro Football Focus grades have been average at best, the coaching staff has consistently spoken highly of his reliability. In 2024, he appeared in 11 games with two starts, stepping in when injuries struck the offensive line. However, as the season progressed, Awosika found himself slipping down the depth chart, particularly after rookie Christian Mahogany returned late in the year. By the final stretch of the season, Awosika was a healthy scratch in six of the last seven games, with Mahogany and Michael Niese surpassing him in the rotation.
Now, the Lions must decide whether to tender Awosika as a restricted free agent. The options include a first-round tender ($7.46 million), a second-round tender ($5.35 million), or a right-of-first-refusal tender ($3.25 million). However, given his role as a backup, Detroit is highly unlikely to use any of these tenders, as they would be paying well above market value. Instead, the Lions could choose to let him hit unrestricted free agency and potentially bring him back on a more affordable veteran minimum deal, which would be around $1.1 million for 2025.
The decision largely depends on how Detroit plans to address its interior offensive line. Kevin Zeitler, who played a key role in 2024, is set to hit free agency, and veteran Graham Glasgow could become a cap casualty. While Mahogany showed promise late in the season, it remains unclear if he is ready for a full-time starting role. With depth concerns still present, re-signing Awosika at a low cost could provide the team with a familiar and dependable option for training camp.
On the other hand, the Lions may decide to move on and seek younger or more versatile options. With Netane Muti and Kingsley Eguakun returning from injury and the possibility of adding another lineman in free agency or the draft, Awosika could be viewed as expendable. If Detroit is intent on upgrading the depth behind its starting interior linemen, they may opt to part ways with Awosika rather than bring him back simply for continuity.
Ultimately, Awosika’s fate may come down to whether he is willing to accept a team-friendly deal to stay in Detroit. While his starting opportunities have been limited, he has built a strong rapport with the coaching staff and could provide a valuable insurance policy if injuries occur. However, if the Lions believe they can improve their depth with younger and more cost-effective options, they may be prepared to move on without him.
With free agency just around the corner, the Lions will have to weigh their options carefully. Whether Awosika remains part of Detroit’s plans or heads elsewhere, it’s clear that the team’s offensive line depth will be a major storyline to watch heading into the 2025 season.
Detroit’s RFA Decisions: Where Does Kayode Awosika Fit in 2025 Plans?
