The Detroit Lions must rebuild their offensive line again after moving on from Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. If Detroit turns to free agency, these three linemen feel like the most realistic fits.
The Detroit Lions once again face major questions along the offensive line. After releasing veteran guard Graham Glasgow and longtime left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit will need to replace two starting linemen for the second straight offseason.
General manager Brad Holmes has built one of the league’s best offensive lines during his tenure, but maintaining that strength will now require some creativity. One option would be sliding All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell from right tackle to the left side. However, the Lions could also choose to add a veteran through free agency to stabilize the line.
If Detroit decides to look outside the roster, here are three players who make sense as potential Lions signings. Putting on my “Brad Holmes hat,” these are the free agents who seem most likely to end up in Detroit.
1. Jedrick Wills Jr., LT
The Lions could use more depth along the offensive line, especially with uncertainty surrounding the tackle position. That makes Wills an intriguing option.
A former first-round pick, Wills is reportedly scheduled to meet with the Lions this week. If Detroit wants a player who could compete for the starting left tackle job — or provide quality depth — he could make a lot of sense.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wills has been consistently strong in pass protection throughout his career. His pass-block efficiency numbers highlight that steady performance:
• 2024: 95.5%
• 2023: 94.6%
• 2022: 96.1%
• 2021: 96.0%
• 2020: 97.7%
Wills missed the 2025 season because of injury, which could significantly lower his market value in free agency. That type of situation is exactly where Holmes has historically found value. The Lions’ front office has shown a willingness to take chances on talented players coming off injuries if the price is right.
If healthy, Wills could compete for a starting job while also giving Detroit valuable depth at tackle — something every contender needs over the course of a long season.
2. Connor McGovern, C
McGovern is another player who could appeal to Detroit because of his reliability and durability. The 28-year-old center spent last season with the Buffalo Bills and quietly had one of the more consistent seasons among interior offensive linemen.
Standing 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, McGovern has the size and strength to fit Detroit’s physical offensive identity. In 2025, he posted a 69.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade, ranking 15th among centers.
His pass protection was particularly strong. McGovern earned a 73.4 pass-blocking grade (sixth among centers) and did not allow a single sack all season. He also allowed just two quarterback hits and 14 total pressures across 1,037 snaps, the 12th-most among centers.
Durability is another factor that could attract the Lions. McGovern played a heavy workload and handled 444 run-blocking snaps, the sixth-most at his position. While his 65.2 run-blocking grade ranked 20th, his consistency in pass protection could be extremely valuable.
If Detroit wants a stable presence in the middle of the line, McGovern could be a logical target.
3. Kevin Zeitler, RG
A reunion with Zeitler also wouldn’t be surprising. Even though the veteran guard is getting older, he still proved in 2025 that he has plenty left in the tank.
Zeitler finished the season with a 74.5 overall grade, including a 70.8 run-blocking grade and a 75.4 pass-blocking grade. He played 909 snaps, allowed four sacks, two quarterback hits, and 16 total pressures, while committing just four penalties.
The biggest reason a reunion makes sense is familiarity. Zeitler already understands Detroit’s offensive system and locker room culture under Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
For a team trying to replace two starters quickly, bringing back a player who already knows the scheme could make the transition much smoother.
Conclusion
The Lions have built their success around dominance in the trenches, and replacing Decker and Glasgow will be one of the biggest challenges of the offseason. While the team could turn to the draft, adding a veteran free agent may help stabilize the line.
Players like Wills, McGovern and Zeitler each offer something Detroit values — whether it’s upside, reliability or familiarity. If Holmes wants to reinforce the offensive line without overspending, these three could be among the most realistic options in free agency.