The Detroit Lions endured a frustrating 2025 season, and one of the most disappointing aspects was the performance of their offensive line. Long known as the backbone of Detroit’s physical identity, the unit took a major hit when veteran center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement last June. The group never truly recovered from that loss, and second-year guard Christian Mahogany struggled to hold down the starting left-guard role.

Mahogany had shown plenty of promise during his rookie campaign. According to Pro Football Focus, he recorded an impressive 91.5 overall grade in limited action. However, his first full year as a starter didn’t go nearly as smoothly. Injuries and inconsistent play led to a sharp decline in his effectiveness, leaving Detroit searching for answers along the line.

Now, after the team made several moves to strengthen its protection up front, Mahogany enters the 2026 season with added pressure to perform. The Lions have reshaped key parts of the offensive line, meaning the young guard will have fewer reasons for continued struggles.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Mahogany initially exceeded expectations. During his rookie season, he surrendered just four pressures and one sack across 78 pass-blocking snaps while also earning a 91.1 run-blocking grade. His strong early showing gave the Lions confidence to move forward without veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who later signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Unfortunately, Mahogany couldn’t replicate that level of play the following year. His overall PFF grade dipped to 59.7, and he allowed 27 pressures along with six sacks across 391 pass-blocking snaps. A left leg injury suffered during a Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings further complicated matters. Although he returned in Week 16, his performance remained shaky, giving up four sacks and 10 pressures over Detroit’s final three games.

Mahogany’s struggles mirrored the broader issues along Detroit’s offensive front last season. As a result, the organization responded by reshaping the left side of the line.

All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is expected to shift to left tackle following the release of longtime starter Taylor Decker. Sewell’s presence should provide Mahogany with stronger support on the outside compared to Decker, who played through a lingering shoulder injury in 2025. The Lions also added center Cade Mays, another lineman known for solid pass protection who hasn’t surrendered a sack since 2023.

With Sewell on one side and Mays snapping the ball next to him, Mahogany will be surrounded by players capable of stabilizing the interior. If opposing defenses attempt to target him as the weak point of the line, that added help could allow him to bounce back.

Detroit also addressed the right side of the line by bringing in Larry Borom while hoping for further development from Tate Ratledge. Altogether, those adjustments could lead to a stronger unit in 2026.

Still, Mahogany’s job security isn’t guaranteed. The Lions also traded for Juice Scruggs, who could eventually challenge for the starting role if Mahogany fails to show improvement.

The upcoming season will be critical for the young guard. If he rebounds and proves he can handle the job long term, he could solidify his place in Detroit’s future and possibly earn a contract extension before his rookie deal expires after the 2027 season. If his performance continues to lag, however, the Lions may have little choice but to search for a replacement next offseason.