Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has officially shut the door on any speculation surrounding a potential Frank Ragnow comeback for the 2026 NFL season.

Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro center, retired last summer due to ongoing injury concerns. While there was brief hope for a return during the 2025 season, Holmes made it clear that the Lions are no longer expecting the former franchise cornerstone to rejoin the team.

Brad Holmes: Lions and Frank Ragnow Have “Gone Their Separate Ways”

Speaking during his end-of-season press conference, Holmes confirmed that the Lions have not maintained contact with Ragnow regarding another return to football.

“No. After that whole thing, we just kind of went our separate ways,” Holmes said. “I’m sure a lot of the guys still keep in contact with him. But no, nothing concrete about seeing if he wants to give it a go again.”

Ragnow initially retired in June 2025, announcing the decision on Instagram after battling multiple injuries throughout his career. Although he attempted a short-lived return ahead of the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game, medical testing revealed a Grade 3 hamstring injury, leading him to step away from football once again.

Timing of Ragnow’s Retirement Left Lions With Limited Options

Holmes explained that Ragnow’s final decision came after the 2025 NFL Draft, making it difficult for the Lions to immediately find a long-term replacement at center.

“It was after the draft. That was when he officially told us that, ‘I’m not going to do it,’” Holmes recalled. “We knew we had to prepare for either outcome because we didn’t know which way it was going to tip.”

With free-agent options limited, the Lions began cross-training rookie Tate Ratledge at center before ultimately turning to veteran Graham Glasgow as the starter once training camp began.

Graham Glasgow Emerged as Ragnow’s Replacement

Glasgow admitted earlier this week that the move caught him by surprise, as he spent most of the offseason preparing to play right guard. However, Holmes cited Glasgow’s experience and familiarity with the system as key factors in the decision.

“A player of Frank’s caliber—you haven’t seen a Frank Ragnow since Frank Ragnow,” Holmes said. “You never think you can just replace him and hit the ground running.”

Holmes emphasized that the Lions explored multiple options through both the draft and free agency but were unable to finalize several potential offensive line moves.

Offensive Line Remains a Priority for the Lions

Despite criticism, Holmes pushed back on the idea that Detroit ignored the offensive line following Ragnow’s retirement.

“It hasn’t been ignored,” Holmes said. “We tried to do the best we could. I was excited about the youth injection we went with, but there was always going to be a need for patience.”

Holmes added that improving the offensive line—both interior and tackle positions—will remain an urgent priority moving forward.

Taylor Decker’s Future Adds More Uncertainty

Similar concerns now surround left tackle Taylor Decker, who is reportedly considering retirement after 10 NFL seasons due to health and family considerations.

Holmes said the Lions are prepared for such situations and stressed that the team never enters an offseason without aggressively addressing potential roster holes.

“You can’t just reach and make a move to make a move,” Holmes explained. “But we’ve always attacked positions of need with urgency—even if it doesn’t always work out the way we want.”

Bottom Line

Brad Holmes’ comments make it clear: Frank Ragnow’s playing days with the Detroit Lions are over. As the franchise looks ahead, the focus shifts to rebuilding the offensive line through youth development, smart acquisitions, and preparing for potential veteran departures like Taylor Decker.