The Chicago Bears have already gained an edge on the Detroit Lions this offseason, and that’s before either NFC North team has taken the field. Chicago signed Drew Dalman as part of their revamped offensive line built to protect second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

As it turns out, Dalman would have been an ideal solution to the biggest setback of Detroit’s offseason — the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow. The top-tier run and pass blocker is retiring at 29, leaving the Lions with a significant void to fill in the heart of their line.

Dalman could have filled that role seamlessly, but there were no early signs that the Lions would face a sudden shake-up along their offensive front. Now, by sheer chance, it’s Chicago that benefits while Detroit is left scrambling.

Dalman, a 26-year-old center who spent his previous seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before heading to Chicago, ended his 2024 campaign with a 78.8 grade from PFF — ranking 4th among NFL centers. His 79.8 run-blocking grade placed him 5th and was on par with Ragnow’s performance in Detroit last year.

At this point, the Lions must choose between Graham Glasgow and Tate Ratledge to inherit Ragnow’s critical duties as center. Glasgow has more experience, having played the position for the Denver Broncos, but his performance there was less than impressive.

Ratledge got center reps during his college days and is continuing them during OTAs with the Lions, though he’s still a rookie. Asking him to change roles before seeing NFL action could be a risky move by the Lions.

There’s no urgent need to decide just yet with it only being June, but Detroit may have seen their elite offensive line drop to one of the weakest in the NFC North. That could spell trouble for Jared Goff, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs.