The Detroit Lions have major holes on the offensive line after releasing Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. Free agency offers plenty of options — but signing the wrong lineman could undo years of careful roster building.
With the recent news that the Detroit Lions released longtime left tackle Taylor Decker, the team now faces the challenge of replacing two starting offensive linemen for the second straight offseason. Detroit also moved on from veteran guard Graham Glasgow, leaving major holes along the offensive front.
General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have built one of the league’s best offensive lines over the past several seasons, but maintaining that standard won’t be easy. Free agency will offer several potential replacements, but not every available lineman would be a good fit for Detroit.
Here are five offensive linemen the Lions should avoid signing this offseason.
1. Mekhi Becton, RG
Becton’s career has been defined by injuries and inconsistency. The former first-round pick missed the entire 2021 and 2022 seasons because of a knee injury and has struggled to regain the form he showed early in his career.
In 2025, Becton posted a 35.7 overall grade, the second-worst among offensive linemen. His 24.3 run-blocking grade ranked last at the position, and his 45.2 pass-block grade ranked ninth worst. He also allowed three sacks and committed five penalties.
On top of the performance concerns, Becton would be on his fourth team in four years, which raises additional red flags. Detroit needs stability on the offensive line, not another reclamation project.
2. Joel Bitonio, LG
Bitonio has been one of the most consistent guards of the past decade, but age is becoming a concern. At 34 years old, he may be nearing the end of his career.
Detroit already experimented with an older veteran last season with Glasgow, and that move didn’t provide the long-term answer the team hoped for. Bitonio played 1,081 snaps in 2025, which is a heavy workload for a player his age.
While he remains a solid player, his 64.4 run-blocking grade suggests some decline could be setting in. The Lions should focus on younger options who can contribute for multiple seasons.
3. Lloyd Cushenberry III, C
The Lions could look to upgrade the interior offensive line, but Cushenberry would not be the right solution.
He struggled during the 2025 season, allowing 25 pressures and six sacks. Those numbers are concerning for a center responsible for protecting the middle of the pocket.
Detroit’s offense relies heavily on interior protection to support quarterback play and the run game. Adding a center coming off a down season would create unnecessary risk.
4. Cam Robinson, LT
Robinson is another veteran tackle who may not be worth the investment. At 30 years old, his production dipped significantly in 2025.
He posted a 48.2 overall grade, including a 56.2 pass-block grade and 48.3 run-block grade. Robinson also allowed 40 pressures, eight sacks and committed 14 penalties.
If the Lions are replacing Decker at left tackle, they need a reliable protector. Robinson’s recent performance suggests he would be a downgrade rather than a solution.
5. Kelvin Beachum, OT
Beachum has had a long and respectable NFL career, but he may not be the right fit for Detroit at this stage.
The veteran tackle is 36 years old and posted a 51.6 overall grade in 2025, along with a 54.6 pass-block grade and 48.9 run-block grade. He allowed five sacks and committed seven penalties.
Despite his familiarity with Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Beachum would likely represent a downgrade from Decker. Detroit needs a long-term answer at tackle, not a short-term stopgap nearing retirement.
Conclusion
The Lions have several key decisions to make as they rebuild parts of their offensive line. While there will be plenty of intriguing options in free agency, it’s just as important to avoid players who may not fit the team’s long-term plans.
Holmes has built Detroit’s roster by prioritizing durability, toughness and youth along the offensive line. If the Lions stick to that formula, they should be able to find better solutions than the players on this list.