The Detroit Lions have made a notable move in their pursuit of offensive line depth, signing free agent center and guard Trystan Colon to a one-year deal, as reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. This signing comes on the heels of the significant news regarding Frank Ragnow’s upcoming retirement before the 2025 season, leaving a considerable gap to fill on the Lions’ offensive line.
Colon, a 27-year-old veteran, brings a wealth of experience, though he only appeared in seven games last season with the Arizona Cardinals. While he may not step into a starting role immediately, his presence adds a layer of depth to the center position, likely providing support to either Graham Glasgow or Tate Ratledge as they vie for the spot.
The Lions seem committed to solidifying their options at center as they navigate Ragnow’s departure during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Colon’s journey in the NFL has included stints with both the Baltimore Ravens and Cardinals, though his experience primarily comes from playing guard. As the Lions work to establish a cohesive offensive line, it’s clear they’re eager to foster competition for Ragnow’s former position.
A Battle for the Center Spot
The competition at center is heating up, with Glasgow, Ratledge, and now Colon all in the mix. Don’t overlook Miles Frazier as a potential contender too—he adds another layer of intrigue to the battle. OTAs are the perfect setting for the Lions to evaluate their linemen and determine optimal roles, especially in light of the offensive line’s current transitional phase. Expect the team to experiment with various lineups over the summer, giving each player opportunities to showcase their skills.
As for the winning formula to claim the center position, it will come down to effectiveness in both run blocking and pass protection. Colon excels as a run blocker with a commendable grade of 68.5 from his seven-game stint, while Glasgow managed a lower score of 57.8. Interestingly, Colon has also demonstrated proficiency as a pass protector, which could give him an edge in this duel.
Ratledge, the rookie in this trio, brings intrigue, having had snaps at center with both Georgia and the Lions during OTAs. However, it remains to be seen just how well he has performed in these situations.
The retirement of Ragnow was undoubtedly a blow to the Lions, but the influx of new talent and competition at the center position is a silver lining. With Colon’s signing, the Lions have options, and fans should be excited about the potential for a revitalized offensive line. As the summer progresses, it will be fascinating to watch this competition unfold and see how the team adapts and evolves in their pursuit of a strong offensive identity.
