The Chicago Bears have already managed to get one over on the Detroit Lions this offseason, all before one snap is played between the NFC North rivals. Chicago managed to sign Drew Dalman this offseason as one of the pieces to their re-tooled offensive line tasked with protecting sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams.
Well, as it turns out, Dalman would've been the perfect answer to the only real wrench thrown into the Lions' offseason so far - the retirement of All Pro center Frank Ragnow. The elite run blocker and pass protector is stepping away from the game at the age of 29, and now, Detroit has to figure out how to get close to replicating his elite impact on the offensive line.
Dalman would've been a great answer to that hole, but of course, there didn't seem to be any prior indication that the Lions would be staring down the barrel of a sudden rebuild in their trenches. And now, Chicago gets the last laugh through complete coincidence.
Dalman would have been the perfect Ragnow replacement
Dalman, a 26 year old center who was previously with the Atlanta Falcons prior to signing in Chicago, finished up his 2024 season with a 78.8 PFF grade - 4th amongst centers in the NFL. His run blocking grade was 79.8, good for 5th, and comparable to how well Ragnow had blocked for the Lions' runners in 2024.
Now, Detroit has to figure out who between Graham Glasgow and Tate Ratledge they trust more to take over Ragnow's responsibilities as the ball snapper on the line. Glasgow has the clear edge given his prior experience at the position with the Denver Broncos, but he wasn't great with them at center.
Ratledge took reps at center in college, and has been doing so in OTAs for the Lions, but he's also just a rookie. Making him already switch positions before he's seen any NFL action feels like a rough decision to make if you're the Lions.
There's no "rush" on this decision given that it's only June, but Detroit absolutely just saw their offensive line go from one of the best to possibly one of the worst in the division. That's potentially bad news for Jared Goff, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs.
