By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions now face a significant challenge as they prepare to fill the huge void left at the center position following Frank Ragnow’s retirement.
Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl selectee and three-time second-team All-Pro, has called time on his seven-year career. In a heartfelt post on social media, he cited injuries and said he no longer feels he can give his all on the field. His decision leaves the Lions searching for stability in the heart of their offensive line.
Throughout the offseason, the Lions have been exploring different options to fill this gap. Ragnow’s absence during voluntary workouts pushed the team to turn to their young talent, primarily second-round rookie Tate Ratledge, alongside veteran Graham Glasgow. With Ragnow officially retired, these two are expected to be the primary contenders to anchor the Lions’ line going into the 2025 season.
But there’s a notable difference in experience between the two. Ratledge played exclusively as a guard during his time at Georgia, while Glasgow has some familiarity at center, having filled in for Ragnow in four games over the past two seasons.
The Lions have been focusing on cross-training Ratledge at center since rookie minicamp and organized team activities, aiming to boost his versatility along with that of fellow rookie Miles Frazier.
“He’s long, tall, big man. But, you love the versatility of the player. He can play multiple positions inside and the interior,” said Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew before rookie minicamp. “Like the toughness, love the way he plays the game, a guy who can get out in space – those guys who can get out in space and block for a guy like Jahmyr Gibbs and then he’s going to the house for a touchdown. You love those guys. So excited about Tate, man. Really, really excited about Tate.”
Ragnow’s retirement will likely accelerate Ratledge’s transition and workload as the team heads deeper into organized activities and training camp. Glasgow, meanwhile, offers a steadier hand with his experience, but he’s coming off a 2024 season where his play was not at its best. For now, Ratledge appears to be the top candidate to become the Lions’ long-term center.
Other players on the roster who might step up include Colby Sorsdal and Kingsley Eguakun. Sorsdal, who has experience at guard and tackle, also took reps at center during OTAs that were open to the media. Eguakun, a 2024 undrafted free agent, spent last season on the Lions’ practice squad.
Replacing two of the three starting interior linemen from last season won’t be easy. Both Ragnow and right guard Kevin Zeitler were key pillars in the Lions’ offensive front. But Detroit has a notable advantage: a deep pool of young talent. The team has drafted five offensive linemen over the past three years alone. Ratledge and Frazier join this year’s class, while Christian Mahogany and Gio Manu were brought in last year, and Sorsdal was a 2023 fifth-round pick.
Given the Lions’ competitive culture, it wouldn’t be surprising if they also bring in additional options to push for playing time.
Mahogany started two games last season, including the playoff loss against Washington, and made a strong impression despite limited action. He was already seen as a contender to replace Zeitler at guard, but with Ragnow’s retirement, his role could expand even more as he enters his second NFL season.
The Lions will return both starting tackles, Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, but the interior line will need revitalizing. With the door open for rookies and younger players, many eyes will be on the emerging talent to see who can step up and make an impact.
From a financial perspective, Ragnow’s retirement also changes the team’s salary cap picture. His absence from voluntary workouts was believed to be tied to his contract situation—he had no guaranteed salary over the last two years of his deal.
His retirement will impact the Lions’ cap similar to a post-June 1 cut. Ragnow has $8.4 million in guarantees remaining, including a $1.2 million signing bonus for this year.
This situation recalls the time when Calvin Johnson abruptly retired, which led to tension between the Hall of Famer and the Lions’ management over recouping guaranteed money. It’s unclear whether the Lions will seek to recover any part of Ragnow’s signing bonus.
The retirement frees up $9.25 million in cap space for 2025—$9.15 million from his salary and another $100,000 from a workout bonus. Ragnow was set to earn $11.9 million in base salary in 2026, along with $850,000 in roster and workout bonuses.
The Lions have the option to take the entire $8.4 million guaranteed amount this year or spread the cap hit over two years. Overall, they stand to gain $22 million in cap space across 2025 and 2026, with $9.25 million coming in 2025 and $12.75 million the following year.
As the Lions adjust to life without one of their most reliable and decorated linemen, the challenge will be to develop their young talent and keep the offensive line strong. With several promising players waiting in the wings, Detroit hopes to turn this period of transition into an opportunity to build a new core that can lead the team forward.