### Lions Bolster Center Depth as Ragnow's Retirement Looms

As the Detroit Lions face the prospective retirement of their veteran center Frank Ragnow, the team appears well-prepared to fill the gap with a roster brimming with potential replacements. Let’s examine the key players who could step into the critical center role, either during games or practice sessions.

**Graham Glasgow** stands out as the prime candidate to take over Ragnow’s responsibilities given his extensive experience at center. Glasgow’s football IQ and versatility are well-regarded by both coaches and teammates. Head Coach Dan Campbell highlighted Glasgow’s proficiency at center back in April, emphasizing the value of his adaptable skill set. Despite a challenging 2024 season where Glasgow allowed significant pressures, his potential move to center could maximize his acumen, providing veteran stability to support quarterback Jared Goff and the offensive line.

Behind Glasgow, **Tate Ratledge** emerges as a strong internal contender. A second-round pick from Georgia, Ratledge has displayed the athleticism and mental attributes necessary for the center position. Having captained his college team to two national championships, Ratledge has also shown resilience and leadership, traits that bode well for his transition to the NFL. Ratledge’s development is being closely monitored, with him taking first-team reps during OTAs under the guidance of offensive line coach Hank Fraley, a former NFL center himself.

Additionally, the Lions have reportedly signed **Trystan Colon**, a versatile guard/center with starting experience from his stints with the Ravens and Cardinals. Colon’s addition to the roster provides a seasoned option with four career starts at center, adding depth to the Lions’ interior offensive line.

**Colby Sorsdal** and **Michael Niese** are other noteworthy mentions. Sorsdal, a fifth-round pick in 2023, has seen limited action but is being cross-trained at center during recent OTAs. Niese, who secured a spot on the 53-man roster out of camp, showed promise in limited snaps last season but faces stiff competition with the influx of new talent.

Finally, undrafted free agent **Kingsley Eguakun** offers a developmental prospect. Eguakun spent the 2024 season on the practice squad and has the potential to grow into a more significant role over time.

As the Lions navigate the financial implications of Ragnow’s retirement, they have multiple strategies at their disposal to manage the cap space effectively. Whether they opt to absorb the cap hit in 2025 or stretch it over two seasons, the organization’s decision will impact their financial flexibility in the coming years. With a well-assessed roster and strategic financial planning, the Lions are poised to handle the transition smoothly and maintain a robust offensive line for the future.