The Detroit Lions lost both of their coordinators this offseason, and now they have lost their star center. Frank Ragnow, the Lions All-Pro center, has shockingly retired at the age of 29.
The reasons for Ragnow’s retirement stem from prioritizing his health and family, as #77 has dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his NFL career.
Left with no choice, the Lions must now find a new replacement at center.
Potential Frank Ragnow Replacements
1. Tate Ratledge
The Lions have been heavy on drafting guards over the past two years. Now, that strategy seems primed to pay off handsomely. One of those picks, Tate Ratledge, was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s been primarily a guard, but has taken reps at center recently.
#Lions rookie offensive lineman Tate Ratledge has reportedly been taking 1st-team reps at center during OTAs with the absence of Frank Ragnow, per @DetroitPodcast
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) June 1, 2025
The Lions might have known Ragnow’s future was in doubt and have seemingly been preparing Ratledge for this possible opportunity. Right now, Ratledge is number one on the depth chart with Ragnow retired.
Stemming back to the first 11-on-11 drills, Ratledge took snaps at center before going back to his guard position. The team has spoken very highly of Ratledge, with assistant general manager Ray Agnew saying, “The first thing you see: this is a big man when you see him. He’s a long, tall, big man. But you love the versatility of the player. He can play multiple positions inside and the interior.”
2. Graham Glasgow
If the team deems Ratledge not ready, Glasgow is the next option to take over at center. Glasgow has primarily played guard in his career but was the team’s primary backup from 2023-24. Veteran linemen often shift positions, especially when there is a team need or could extend their careers.
First reaction to Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow retiring
Hanging up the cleats as one of the BEST centers currently in the game, who takes over at Center for the Lions?
Tate Ratledge or Graham Glasgow?
Massive story line to follow this off-season #OnePride pic.twitter.com/febR1qfcv8
— Booner (@boonersports) June 2, 2025
Glasgow might have limited upside at center, but the Lions might look for a serviceable option at best, rather than a star replacement, due to the late nature of Ragnow’s retirement.
Currently on his second stint with the Lions, Glasgow was a former third-round pick from Michigan in the 2016 draft. Again, the Lions love drafting guards, with the potential payoff taking years, as he could change positions. Glasgow very well might represent a place-holder option for a year before a younger, higher-upside develops further.
3. Miles Frazier
In rookie camp, Miles Frazier was competing step-by-step with Tate Ratledge. While Frazier might not have the experience of Glasgow and was selected three rounds later than Ratledge, both are going to be a vital part of this Lions offense heading into 2025.
Detroit Selects LSU OL Miles Frazier 171st Overall
🦁 Zero Sacks Allowed in 2024 (579 Pass Block Snaps) pic.twitter.com/NMvo0NAyuz
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 26, 2025
Immediate Aftermath of the Sudden Frank Ragnow Retirement
The unexpected retirement of Ragnow has certainly made the Lions change up their plans. Detroit, which already entered the season with new offensive and defensive coordinators, now might has to rush either Frazier or Ratledge into a spot they aren’t necessarily the most familiar with.
There’s no doubt that there will be a lot of moving parts, which could see all three of these men in this list shift positions. Being versatile is one thing, but head coach Dan Campbell can adapt and make changes on the fly like no other.