Offensive Linemen Lions Could Target in Free Agency
The Detroit Lions' offensive line could undergo a shake-up during the offseason.
Both starting guards, Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow, are free agents. Though each has previously expressed a desire to return to Motown for the future, their price tags may be too expensive for the Lions to bring them back.
Because of this, the Lions could be pressed to explore adding an external option this offseason. With how strong the unit has been over the last several years, general manager Brad Holmes may be better suited to utilize free agency to add an experienced veteran to the group.
Here are four offensive linemen the Lions should consider pursuing when free agency begins in March.
Robert Hunt
Hunt was taken in the same Draft as Jackson, as he was a second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020. He consistently improved every season, according to Pro Football Focus, finishing the 2023 season with a 77.1 overall offensive grade.
The four-year veteran was especially effective as a pass-blocker, allowing just five pressures total between the regular and postseason. Just one pressure resulted in a sack.
He was also penalized just twice. However, injuries played a role in the final season of his rookie contract as he missed time with a hamstring injury.
There's been proven durability, though, as Hunt had played in every possible game prior to 2023. If the Lions are unable to retain one of their starting guards, Hunt would be a solid plug-and-play fit.
Kevin Dotson
Another young option is Dotson, who had an excellent 2023 campaign. The fourth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers spent last season with the Los Angeles Rams after being traded.
The right guard missed the first three games of the season but made a strong impact after, starting every game the rest of the way. His performance was taken up a notch with the Rams, as he boosted his run-blocking grade from 61.1 in 2022 to 88.3 last season.
Dotson is a true mauler in the run game who helped anchor a vibrant Rams' rushing attack. Running back Kyren Williams broke out, rushing for 1,144 in just 12 games.
This ability to dominate in the ground game would be an excellent fit for Detroit, which nearly had two running backs rush for 1,000 yards.
Ezra Cleveland
Formerly with the Lions' NFC North rivals, Cleveland was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline. The left guard had been solid with the Vikings over the last three seasons, but his performance dipped upon being acquired by the Jaguars.
Whereas the previous two on this list are right guards, Cleveland has played on the left side. The Boise State product allowed 24 pressures in 13 games and finished with a pass-blocking grade of just 57.4.
Cleveland has been strong in the run game in his career, however. In 2022, he had a career-best 79.7 PFF grade in this category. He was a big part of Dalvin Cook's success from 2020-22 with the Vikings.
Dalton Risner
After signing a one-year deal with the Vikings in 2023, he quickly became the team's starter. His performance at the left guard position eventually led to Cleveland being traded to Jacksonville.
Now, the Vikings are facing a decision on whether or not to retain the 2019 second-round pick. Risner spent the first four seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos and has played 77 career games.
Risner has been a proven solid pass-blocker, allowing 87 career pressures on over 2,000 career pass-blocking snaps. In the run game, his performance has been up-and-down.
Risner could be a more affordable option for the Lions if they lose a starter, and could also serve as veteran depth for the unit.
