At this point, it’s time to accept it: the Frank Ragnow comeback dream is over. As much as Detroit Lions fans would love to see No. 77 trot back out there, the reality is the organization has to plan for life after one of the best centers in franchise history. And that means one thing for the 2026 offseason…
Detroit absolutely, positively must acquire a starting-caliber center.
This isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a roster-building priority.
Why the middle of the line is a problem
The Lions’ interior offensive line in 2025 was a strange mix of youth and uncertainty. Graham Glasgow, the veteran in the middle, was flanked by guards with one year or less of NFL experience entering the season. Glasgow battled, but age and performance make his future in Detroit far from guaranteed.
Meanwhile, the organization is clearly invested in young blockers like Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge. Both have promise, but expecting them to grow without a steady, elite presence at center is risky business.
If Detroit wants to protect Jared Goff and keep the run game humming, the pivot from “Ragnow hope” to “Ragnow replacement” has to happen now.
The dream target: Tyler Linderbaum
My No. 1 choice is still Tyler Linderbaum, if Baltimore lets him hit the market. He’s athletic, nasty, smart, and already one of the best centers in football. If the Ravens don’t re-sign him, Brad Holmes should be on the phone immediately.
But if that door closes…
The under-the-radar solution: Connor McGovern
Enter Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern, who will be playing today in an AFC Wild Card Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McGovern checks a lot of boxes:
- Pro Bowl selection last season
- Started 16 games for Buffalo in 2025
- 69.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade
- Zero sacks allowed over the past two seasons combined
That last stat jumps off the page. In a league where interior pressure wrecks quarterbacks, having a center who hasn’t surrendered a single sack in two full seasons is elite-level pass protection.
He’s also the type of veteran who could stabilize the line while helping develop Mahogany and Ratledge, much like Ragnow once did for the next generation.
And here’s the kicker: McGovern still has upside. This isn’t a washed-up stopgap. He was a Pro Bowl player in 2024, still in his prime, who could give Detroit both high-end play and leadership in the middle.
Bottom line
The Frank Ragnow era was special. But it’s over. And the Lions can’t afford to treat the center position like an afterthought in 2026.
Whether it’s swinging big for a star like Linderbaum or landing a rock-solid, Pro Bowl-caliber anchor like Connor McGovern, Detroit’s next starting center might already be suiting up this weekend.
And the Lions would be wise to make sure he’s wearing Honolulu Blue next season.
