If the Lions want to keep their Super Bowl window wide open, it starts in the trenches. With elite talent like Tyler Linderbaum, Connor McGovern and Wyatt Teller set to hit free agency, Detroit has a chance to turn a strength into a true championship advantage.
The Detroit Lions have built their identity around physicality in the trenches under general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell. But as the roster inches closer to championship expectations, even a strength like the offensive line deserves evaluation. If Detroit looks to fortify the interior in free agency, three names stand out: Tyler Linderbaum, Connor McGovern and Wyatt Teller.
Each brings a different profile, price tag and projection. All could fit Detroit’s physical, run-first philosophy.
Tyler Linderbaum: Elite upside in the middle
Linderbaum, 25, may be the crown jewel of the interior offensive line market. The former Baltimore Ravens center, listed at 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most athletic and technically sound pivots.
A former Rimington Trophy winner at Iowa in 2021, awarded to the nation’s top collegiate center, Linderbaum translated seamlessly to the pros. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023 and finished this past season with an 80.3 overall Pro Football Focus grade, third among centers. His 83.7 run-blocking grade ranked fourth at the position, a particularly appealing metric for a Detroit offense built around a downhill rushing attack.
Linderbaum logged 1,007 snaps, the 14th most among centers, including an NFL-high 471 run-blocking snaps. He allowed just one quarterback hit, sixth best at the position, and two sacks across the season. While his 63.4 pass-blocking grade (22nd) and 26 total pressures allowed (36th) show room for growth in pure pass protection, his mobility and leverage in the run game would mesh well with Detroit’s identity.
The financial hurdle would be significant. Linderbaum is widely viewed as a candidate to become the highest-paid center in football. But at 25, he fits the Lions’ competitive window and long-term vision. If Detroit wants a foundational piece for the next five years, Linderbaum is the premium option.
Connor McGovern: Reliable and efficient
If the Lions prefer a more cost-effective but still productive solution, McGovern presents an intriguing alternative.
The 28-year-old Buffalo Bills center stands 6-5, 320 pounds and offers a sturdier, traditional build. He posted a 69.1 overall PFF grade, ranking 15th among centers, with particularly strong pass protection metrics. His 73.4 pass-blocking grade ranked sixth at the position, and he did not allow a single sack all season.
McGovern played 1,037 snaps, 12th most among centers, and committed five penalties. He logged 444 run-blocking snaps, sixth most in the league, and allowed just two quarterback hits (12th best) and 14 total pressures (16th). Those numbers reflect consistency and reliability, especially in pass-heavy situations.
While his 65.2 run-blocking grade (20th) suggests he may not dominate in the run game like Linderbaum, he remains steady and assignment-sound. For a Detroit offense that values balance and efficiency, McGovern could provide stability without commanding a record-setting contract.
Wyatt Teller: Veteran toughness at guard
If the Lions instead prioritize upgrading at guard, Teller becomes a compelling name.
The 31-year-old former Cleveland Browns standout is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro (2020, 2021). Though he announced he will not return to Cleveland and is headed to free agency, Teller remains one of the more accomplished interior linemen available.
He did endure a down season by his standards, finishing with a 62.2 overall PFF grade (40th among guards). His 65.7 run-blocking grade ranked 36th and his 53.1 pass-blocking grade 65th. Teller allowed three sacks and 24 pressures across 765 snaps.
However, context matters. Teller still allowed just one quarterback hit, ninth best at the position, and committed only four penalties. His track record of physical, tone-setting play fits Detroit’s mentality. At 31, he would represent a shorter-term investment, but one that could provide veteran leadership and playoff-tested toughness.
The fit in Detroit
The Lions’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their resurgence. Adding a player like Linderbaum would be a bold, future-focused move. McGovern offers steadiness and value. Teller brings pedigree and edge.
Detroit’s decision will hinge on cap space, internal evaluations and how aggressively the front office wants to double down on trench dominance. What remains clear is this: if the Lions believe their Super Bowl window is open now, reinforcing the interior offensive line could be the move that keeps it that way.