The Detroit Lions must take an aggressive approach this offseason to keep their championship window open. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022, Detroit is expected to prioritize upgrades along the interior offensive line.
While the Lions would prefer to keep Christian Mahogany at left guard, the future of Tate Ratledge remains uncertain as the team considers a potential move to center. Even if both players remain in their current roles, Detroit still needs proven depth after injuries severely weakened the unit last season.
That search could lead the Lions to a familiar NFC North name: former Green Bay Packers guard Jon Runyan Jr., who may become available if released by the New York Giants.
Lions Could Move Quickly on Jon Runyan Jr. If He’s Cut
Runyan may not be the flashiest name on the market, but his experience is notable. A sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he has logged more than 5,200 offensive snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Runyan allowed 124 pressures and 11 sacks over 3,165 pass-blocking snaps during his career.
After his rookie contract, Runyan signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Giants. However, his performance in New York has fallen short of expectations, earning overall grades of 56.1 in 2024 and 52.9 in 2025. During that stretch, he surrendered 60 pressures and four sacks on 1,106 pass-blocking snaps.
With an $11.75 million cap hit and a new coaching staff led by John Harbaugh, Runyan’s future with the Giants appears uncertain. If released, he could quickly become a cost-effective target for Detroit.
Why Runyan Fits the Lions’ Needs
Detroit struggled to protect Jared Goff from interior pressure last season, making pass-blocking help a priority. Runyan could compete for a starting job at right guard while allowing Ratledge to shift to center.
If he doesn’t win a starting role, Runyan would still bring value as a versatile backup. He has experience on both sides of the line and would represent a clear upgrade over recent reserves such as Kayode Awosika and Trystan Colon.
Signing Runyan would also give the Lions flexibility to evaluate younger linemen like Miles Frazier, whose rookie season was limited by a preseason knee injury.
A Low-Risk, High-Value Move for Detroit
At 28 years old, Runyan may attract interest from teams willing to offer him another chance as a starter. However, the Lions could provide a strong opportunity as either a rotational piece or depth insurance on the interior line.
While the move might not generate major headlines, it could prove critical to stabilizing Detroit’s offense. If Runyan becomes available in the coming weeks, the Lions bringing the former Michigan standout back to the state could be a smart and practical offseason gamble.
