​The Detroit Lions’ offensive line endured the worst season of the Jared Goff era, yielding a career-high 38 sacks for the 11-year veteran and forcing Goff to absorb more hits than at any other point in his time in Detroit. He was struck 117 times by defenders, another personal best and second among starting quarterbacks that season. Injuries battered the line throughout the year, making it clear that the unit had become the weak link on an otherwise stacked and dynamic offense.
But injuries weren’t the sole challenge facing the offensive line. Retirement also disrupted the group’s chemistry. When four-time Pro Bowler and longtime starting center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement in 2025, a significant void opened that was not easily filled. The expected dip in pass protection materialized, yet the Lions still fell a staggering 11 spots in Sharp Football Analysis’s NFL Offensive Line Rankings, a decline far steeper than anticipated.
Recognizing the need for reinforcements, the front office acted decisively to shore up the line. On March 9, the Lions secured Panthers center Cade Mays on a three-year deal worth up to $25 million. Mays had served primarily as a backup center until September of the prior season, but transition to a starting role has gone smoothly. In 20 career starts and over 720 snaps, he has not allowed a single sack. Bringing in a productive, affordable center could prove to be a major steal, and his presence is expected to create running lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs and relieve pressure on Goff by reducing the frequency of third-and-long situations. Furthermore, adding a productive, younger anchor helps rebuild a durable, long-term offensive line core. Mays is only 26, with limited starting experience, which means he arrives motivated, fresh, and ready to contribute right away.
The 2026 NFL Draft further underscored Detroit’s commitment to building for the future. On draft night, nearly every analyst expected the Lions to select an offensive lineman, and the discussions varied about which position would be chosen. One thing was widely accepted: the right tackle spot, long held by Penei Sewell, was not up for grabs. Sewell had consistently ranked among the league’s best at his position, earning three straight All-Pro-level accolades and consistently appearing in the top tier of NFL Top 100 rankings. Yet when Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Lions’ pick at 17th overall, the shock came in the form of Blake Miller, a Clemson right tackle, stepping to the podium. Despite sharing the same position as Sewell, Miller’s collegiate résumé and continuity credentials were compelling. The 6-foot-6 tackle started 54 straight games for Clemson and proceeded to break the school record for career snaps, signaling durability and resilience. Miller’s addition implies not only a focus on immediate depth and protection but also a strategic bet on long-term offensive line stability. His presence supports a more agile, cohesive blocking unit and offers the potential for improved run and pass protection as he develops alongside Sewell and the rest of Detroit’s young core.