On Monday, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement. The only positive for the Lions is that this saves cap space.
Ragnow, 29, had two years remaining on his contract, and his 2025 base salary was $9.15M. Still, the Lions would much rather have him on their roster.
Since taking Ragnow with pick No. 20 in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Arkansas Razorback has become a key piece for one of the top offensive lines in the NFL.
In seven seasons with Detroit, he has made four Pro Bowls and earned three second-team All-Pro nods. In 16 regular-season games last season, he posted an 85.3 Pro Football Focus grade, the third-best mark at his position.
Ragnow’s retirement doesn’t torpedo the Lions O-line. It returns three of its five starters in 2025, including right tackle Penei Sewell, who earned his second first-team All-Pro nod last season.
Still, they may lack a clear replacement for Ragnow. They could move backup guard Graham Glasgow to center, but he posted a subpar 57.9 PFF grade in 16 regular-season games last season.
The Lions took Georgia O-lineman Tate Ratledge with pick No. 57 in the 2025 NFL Draft. He can play center, but Lions O-line coach Hank Fraley said he needs time to learn Detroit’s system.
“Our centers, like across the whole league, they do a lot, they have a lot on their plates,” Fraley said in April, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “They’re like quarterbacks on that O-line. They set a lot of the protections, a lot of the calls and they work one-on-one with the QB. So in time [Ratledge is] going to get it down and become a good pretty center here.”
The Lions should focus more on maximizing their Super Bowl window instead of developing rookies. Detroit went 15-2 last season but lost to the Washington Commanders, 45-31, in the NFC divisional round.
Ragnow’s retirement may not prevent the Lions from hoisting their first Lombardi Trophy. However, it gives them one problem they must quickly solve before the start of the season.
