Lions Positioned for Major 2025 Signing, Aiming to Secure Premier Offensive Line Talent

The Detroit Lions have dedicated significant resources to their offensive line, but will they invest even further to keep it elite?

For several years, including under the previous leadership, the Detroit Lions have made serious investments in their offensive line. Key players like Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell—each a first-round pick—have been given contract extensions, with Decker even receiving two. This commitment has clearly paid off, as Detroit now boasts one of the league’s top offensive lines.

Supporting this core, the Lions have struck the right balance at guard. They re-signed Graham Glasgow in 2023, and in 2024 they added veteran Kevin Zeitler on a favorable one-year deal. Zeitler’s performance has fueled speculation that he could receive an in-season extension. However, since both Zeitler and Glasgow are over 30, the team may need to think about a reset at the guard spots in 2025.

An Elite 2025 Free Agent to Target

Looking ahead, Bleacher Report recently suggested Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith as a 2025 free agent option to bolster Detroit’s line.

“Smith is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL,” notes Pro Football Focus, which recently ranked him as the eighth-highest-graded guard. Smith, who has missed only one game in his career, has outperformed his sixth-round selection status and remains a consistent force for the Chiefs.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler ranked him No. 2 on their early top-25 2025 NFL free agents list, stating that he could even become the highest-paid guard in the league.

Smith’s talent and durability, combined with the market’s rising value for guards, could make him an ideal long-term addition. His next contract may well benefit from the recent spike in guard salaries, potentially resetting the market rate.

Can the Lions Afford Another High-Priced Star?

The Lions are thoughtful about roster additions, prioritizing players who fit the team culture. With Detroit projected to have around $65 million in 2025 cap space, they might be in a position to make a strong offer. But with key contract extensions already on the horizon, managing cap space will be crucial.

If Zeitler doesn’t re-sign, there’s a slight chance the Lions could make a big play for Smith. While the likelihood may be slim, a calculated opportunity to strengthen Detroit’s offensive line for the future is certainly within the realm of possibility.