The Detroit Lions’ offensive line has been a pillar for the franchise, helping it rise from the depths of despair to become one of the top teams in the league in recent seasons. Nonetheless, the Lions may encounter a potential change within the team in 2025.
To begin with, guard Kevin Zeitler is poised to enter free agency. Zeiter had an outstanding debut season in Detroit, but he’s approaching 35 years old, and the Lions might already possess an internal replacement in 2024 sixth-round selection, Christian Mahogany, who shone in two starts this year
The other guard position is also uncertain for Detroit after Graham Glasgow underperformed in 2024, having difficulties with both pass protection and run-blocking. The 32-year-old has two years remaining on his three-year, $20 million agreement.
In a recent piece identifying Lions cut candidates for 2025, John Whiticar from Pride of Detroit listed Glasgow among them
As expected, the Lions showcased an impressive offensive line throughout the 2024 season. The signing of free agent Kevin Zeitler was excellent at right guard, alongside Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell. The standout exception was Glasgow, whose effectiveness declined as the season continued. Alongside the impressive (though somewhat constrained) performance of rookie Christian Mahogany, Glasgow could be considered the sixth-best lineman on the roster.
The Lions inked Glasgow to a three-year, $20 million contract last March to celebrate a great comeback to Detroit in 2023, but the initial season of that contract was disappointing. As he enters his age-33 season, it appears that Glasgow is likely experiencing the decline
There are several issues with cutting Glasgow. According to Over the Cap, the Lions would face greater dead money ($5.3 million) compared to cap savings ($2.1 million) and might need to find two new guards if Zeitler departs.
Given the significance of the offensive line, the Lions ought to re-sign Zeitler, retain Glasgow, and have him vie for a starting position against Mahogany. Should Glasgow be unavailable, he would provide an excellent depth choice at guard and center.
The most economical yet risky choice would be to let Zeitler go and proceed with a starting pair of Mahogany and Glasgow at guard. However, that could be a strategy the Lions prefer to avoid following what we witnessed from Glasgow in 2024, especially considering the inexperience Mahogany brings.
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