If games are won in the trenches, the Lions may have had one of the most important offseasons in the NFL. Detroit quietly rebuilt its offensive line, adding size, depth and potential starters across the board.
The Detroit Lions have been active in free agency, signing 12 new players and adding another through a trade, with a major focus on rebuilding and strengthening the offensive line. After the unit was considered one of the weaker areas of the team last season, Detroit made it clear this offseason that improving protection and depth in the trenches was a priority.
The Lions added four new offensive linemen this offseason: Juice Scruggs, Cade Mays, Larry Borom and Ben Bartch. Each player brings a different skill set, experience level and potential role to the roster as Detroit continues to reshape its offensive front.
Juice Scruggs
Scruggs arrived in Detroit via trade from the Houston Texans. Last season, Scruggs played 351 snaps, including 261 at left guard and 90 at right guard. His Pro Football Focus grades from last season were not particularly strong, finishing with a 45.0 overall grade, a 40.5 run-blocking grade and a 57.7 pass-blocking grade. However, his 2024 season showed more promise.
In 2024, Scruggs posted a 64.2 overall grade, along with a 65.1 run-blocking grade and a 63.3 pass-blocking grade while playing 871 snaps. Over the course of his career, Scruggs has played 1,661 total snaps and has allowed just five sacks, seven quarterback hits and 46 quarterback pressures. Originally a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Scruggs is likely to compete for a depth role but could push for playing time depending on how the competition unfolds during training camp.
Cade Mays
The biggest signing for Detroit — literally and figuratively — was center Cade Mays. Standing at 6-foot-6, Mays fits general manager Brad Holmes’ apparent offseason strategy of building a massive offensive line.
Holmes recently discussed Mays on the Lions Collective podcast, noting the center’s gradual improvement and upside. Holmes emphasized the importance of having a large, strong center who can anchor the middle of the offensive line, particularly for the quarterback. Holmes also mentioned that Mays still has room to improve and develop, which likely played a significant role in Detroit’s decision to sign him.
Mays posted solid, though not spectacular, Pro Football Focus grades during the 2025 season, but he has shown steady improvement throughout his career. With respected offensive line coach Hank Fraley working with him, the Lions believe Mays could continue to develop into a reliable long-term starter at center.
Larry Borom
Larry Borom brings starting experience to Detroit’s offensive line room. Borom spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears before playing with the Miami Dolphins last season. Over his five-year career, Borom has made 38 starts, including 11 starts last season.
Holmes said on the Lions Collective podcast that he views Borom as a potential starter, pointing out his experience and versatility. Borom has primarily played right tackle during his career, which has led to speculation that the Lions could consider moving Penei Sewell to left tackle. When asked about that possibility, Holmes noted that Sewell’s versatility gives the team flexibility, and that moving him to left tackle is always a possibility.
Sewell played left tackle in college, so a switch would not be entirely new territory. If that move were to happen, Borom could potentially step in at right tackle.
Ben Bartch
The most recent addition to the offensive line is guard Ben Bartch, who comes from the San Francisco 49ers. Bartch has started 24 games in his career but only four over the past two seasons. He is expected to provide depth and versatility, as he can play multiple positions along the offensive line.
Bartch started two games for the 49ers last season and played approximately 200 snaps. He posted a 71.7 overall grade, along with a 65.4 pass-blocking grade and a 69.7 run-blocking grade — all improvements compared to earlier in his career.
Over his career, Bartch has played 1,722 snaps, committed just three penalties, allowed six sacks, 14 quarterback hits and 53 quarterback pressures. He allowed pressure on roughly 3% of his snaps, showing solid pass protection numbers for a depth offensive lineman.
Overall outlook
Of the four additions, Mays appears to be the only player with a starting job clearly in place heading into the season. However, the other three linemen will likely compete for significant playing time, and it would not be surprising if one of them ends up starting.
If the new additions were to be ranked based on potential impact, Borom appears to have the best chance to emerge as a starter, followed by Bartch and then Scruggs. Regardless of who wins the jobs, offensive line coach Hank Fraley will have plenty to work with as he integrates four new linemen into the system. Fraley, who has spent the past eight seasons coaching offensive lines, will play a major role in developing this group as Detroit continues building its roster for the upcoming season.
Overall, the Lions made it clear this offseason that improving the offensive line was a priority, and the additions of Scruggs, Mays, Borom and Bartch could significantly improve both the depth and overall performance of the unit heading into the new season.