The Detroit Lions invested heavily in reshaping their offensive line this offseason, but that may not mean the team is finished adding talent.
As many National Football League executives often say, roster building never truly stops. One analyst believes Detroit could still make another significant addition up front by pursuing veteran guard Joel Bitonio.
Analyst Suggests Bitonio as Ideal Lions Free-Agent Addition
In an April 29 breakdown of the best remaining free agents for all 32 teams, CBS Sports analyst Zachary Pereles suggested Bitonio would be an excellent fit for Detroit’s offensive line.
According to Pereles, adding the veteran guard could stabilize the Lions’ interior line amid several offseason changes.
“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,” Pereles wrote.
Bitonio has been one of the league’s most consistent offensive linemen during his 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. The veteran guard has earned five All-Pro selections, including first-team honors in 2021 and 2022, while also being named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 2018 through 2024.
His 2025 campaign marked the first season since 2017 that he was not selected to the Pro Bowl.
How Joel Bitonio Could Fit Into Detroit’s Offensive Line
Detroit’s front office has acknowledged that the offensive line needed improvement after last season. Since March, the Lions have made multiple moves to rebuild the unit.
The team parted ways with longtime left tackle Taylor Decker and veteran interior lineman Graham Glasgow before bringing in several replacements.
Among those moves:
Trading for interior lineman Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans
Signing center Cade Mays in free agency
Adding offensive tackle Larry Borom for additional depth
Detroit also used its first-round pick to draft Blake Miller at No. 17 overall. Miller is expected to start at right tackle, which allows All-Pro lineman Penei Sewell to move back to left tackle.
Adding Bitonio could provide veteran stability at guard, potentially strengthening the entire offensive line.
Detroit previously made a similar veteran addition in free agency when they signed Kevin Zeitler, who joined the Lions at age 34 after earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Bitonio, also entering his age-34 season, has an even stronger résumé with seven Pro Bowl appearances.
Lions May Prefer Development Over Another Veteran Signing
Despite the potential short-term upgrade Bitonio could offer, there are reasons Detroit may hesitate to make another major offensive line move.
Unlike when the Lions signed Zeitler—shortly after a run to the NFC Championship Game—Detroit is currently trying to reestablish itself as a playoff contender.
The team is also returning both starting guards from last season: Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge.
Over the past two drafts, Detroit invested in developing those young interior linemen. Bringing in a veteran like Bitonio could limit valuable playing time that Mahogany and Ratledge need to continue improving.
While Bitonio could provide a one-year boost, allowing the younger guards to grow may be the better long-term strategy for Detroit’s offensive line.
With both Mahogany and Ratledge expected to remain in the same starting roles in 2026, continuity could ultimately help the Lions rebuild one of the league’s most important units.
