By Sunday 
It’s about time.
After what felt like a drawn-out rookie contract saga that stressed out more Lions fans than it probably should have, second-round pick Tate Ratledge has officially signed the dotted line. And with that signature, Detroit can breathe a sigh of relief—and finally move on to football.
A Delayed Start to a Crucial Chapter
Typically, a rookie guard inking his contract wouldn’t make headlines. But this offseason has been anything but typical.
Thanks to the Houston Texans’ move to fully guarantee their second-round pick’s contract, the rest of the league saw a ripple effect. Suddenly, nearly every second-round rookie—including Ratledge—was holding out, angling for more security in their deals. The Detroit Lions’ 57th overall pick stayed relatively silent, but the holdup was clear: more guaranteed money was on the table.
It took time, patience, and likely more phone calls than anyone wanted, but the Lions finally got it done. Ratledge is now officially cleared to join training camp.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Better
The Lions need him.
With Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow retiring and Kevin Zeitler leaving for the Titans, Detroit’s once-dominant interior offensive line had major holes to fill. Ratledge—a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection from Georgia—has the strength, nastiness, and size (6’6”, 310 lbs) to be a long-term solution.
While he primarily played right guard in college, he’s no stranger to center duties either. That versatility is exactly what the Lions love. Now that he’s back in the mix, he’ll compete for snaps and soak up all the one-on-one time he can get—something he’s missed out on during his absence.
Not a Technician Yet, But Full of Grit
Let’s be clear: Ratledge isn’t a finished product.
Scouts have flagged his hand usage, pad level, and balance as areas needing polish. But you can’t teach toughness. And grit is practically a currency in the Dan Campbell-Brad Holmes era.
With training camp reps finally unlocked, the rookie can now put his head down and grind—something that aligns perfectly with Detroit’s “no-frills, team-first” identity.
Moving On From the Noise
What started as a quiet, backroom negotiation turned into a league-wide delay that only added more noise around rookies like Ratledge. But it’s done now. The Lions’ 2025 draft class is fully signed, and this offseason’s last loose end is finally tied.
And as for Ratledge? The hard part starts now.
If he plays his cards right, he won’t just earn a spot—he might be anchoring this line for years to come.