The Detroit Lions invested a lot in their offensive line this offseason. But as NFL general managers and head coaches often say, the evaluations and potential additions never end. One analyst sees the Lions as a fit for one more offensive line addition this offseason — Joel Bitonio.
CBS Sports’s Zachary Pereles named the best remaining free agent solutions for all 32 teams on April 29. Pereles picked the veteran offensive guard for Detroit.
“Adding Bitonio would be a great way for the Lions to upgrade on the interior,” wrote Pereles. “With new faces at right tackle (Blake Miller) and center (Cade Mays) and Penei Sewell switching to left tackle, the steady Bitonio would be a nice add on the interior.”
Over 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Bitonio made five All-Pro teams, including first-team All-Pro twice in 2021 and 2022. He also earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl nominations from 2018-24.
Last season was his first non-Pro Bowl campaign since 2017.
How Joel Bitonio Could Fit With the Lions
The Lions have admitted this offseason that the offensive line was an issue last year. That’s obvious with all the changes the team has made since March.
Detroit parted ways with veteran left tackle Taylor Decker and interior lineman Graham Glasgow. The Lions then used trades and free agency to replace them.
First, they acquired interior lineman Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans. Then, they signed center Cade Mays and offensive tackle Larry Borom.
For the icing on top, the Lions selected offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in the first round. With Miller set to start at right tackle, Detroit plans to flip All-Pro Penei Sewell to left tackle.
The Lions could solidify the whole unit with Bitonio added at guard. Detroit made a similar addition two years ago with Kevin Zeitler in NFL free agency.
At the time, Zeitler was 34 years old and coming off his first Pro Bowl season. Bitonio is 34 years old this offseason and has made seven Pro Bowls.
Detroit Returning Both Starting Guards in 2026
The Lions are hoping the changes up front will lead to the team getting back to the playoffs this winter.
But it’s worth noting that when the team signed Zeitler two years ago, Detroit was coming off an NFC championship game appearance. That’s the time to add 34-year-old veterans. Seasons after missing the playoffs typically isn’t the time to do that.
It’s also worth wondering if another change to the offensive line would really be a good thing. Bitonio is a short-term solution for any potential suitor this offseason.
Guards Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge are both returning for the Lions in 2026. Over the past two years, the team had drafted and developed both interior linemen.
Stunting the growth for one of them for a year of Bitonio, who is potentially on the decline, isn’t in Detroit’s best interest long term.
Bitonio is a potential 1-year upgrade. But Mahogany and Ratledge need to play for the Lions to truly develop the line again. Those two guards in the lineup could be better for the Lions in 2026 anyway because they are the only two linemen set to start at the same positions as last season.
Lions Encouraged to Make Yet Another Significant Offensive Line Addition