The Detroit Lions did a lot this offseason to try and upgrade their offensive line. The team made the position group a priority in NFL free agency through trades and signings in an effort to get quarterback Jared Goff better protection. Detroit also selected offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
But what if it doesn’t all work out? What if the Lions offensive line isn’t any better?
That possibility seems unlikely. But on Friday, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon named that the nightmare scenario for Goff and the Lions.
“A lack of offensive line continuity causes Jared Goff to hit a wall, and a stacked team proves it has been figured out in a second consecutive dud season,” wrote Gagnon.
Did the Lions Fix Their Offensive Line This Offseason?
In March, the Lions parted ways with both left tackle Taylor Decker and center Graham Glasgow. So, the team will have two new starters along the offensive line this fall.
The Lions will also be starting their best lineman — Penei Sewell — at a new position. Sewell will flip from right to left tackle.
There’s reason to believe the unit will be better. Maybe even significantly better.
With Sewell at left tackle, the Lions will have their best lineman on Goff’s blindside. Miller could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle.
Along the interior, guards Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge will be back and could improve with another offseason of seasoning. The Lions signed free agent center Cade Mays to anchor the unit in the middle.
However, there are no guarantees in the NFL. Just because the Lions invested heavily in the offensive line doesn’t mean it will be better.
It’s important to note that Gagnon didn’t predict that to be the case. Quite frankly, it’s hard to see the unit not taking at least some strides in 2026.
Maybe the bigger question, though, is whether the Lions offensive line will improve enough to make the team an elite NFC contender again this fall.
Jared Goff Addresses Offensive Line Status During 2026 Offseason
The Lions quarterback has yet to speak to the media since the team added Miller in the first round. When he does, it will be interesting to see what Goff says about the new right tackle.
But even before adding Miller, Goff sounded confident about his offensive line moving forward.
“They’ll be just fine,” Goff told The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett at a youth football camp on April 19. “I’m excited to see Penei [Sewell] step into even more of a role in that room being the longest-tenured guy now.”
Goff added that he would miss Decker and Glasgow. But the quarterback suggested he understood the team’s offseason decisions and is excited to work with the new acquisitions.
In addition to Mays, the Lions also signed offensive tackle Larry Borom in NFL free agency. Before the Miller selection, Borom was the front runner to start at right tackle. Borom still could start if Miller experiences any rookie growing pains, but Borom appears best suited for the swing tackle role.
Detroit also acquired interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs in a trade involving running back David Montgomery.
The Lions will see their new offensive line working together for the first time at the team’s next round of offseason workouts from May 27-29.
Lions Cautioned Against ‘Nightmare Scenario’ for QB Jared Goff