3 centers the Detroit Lions could realistically trade for and what they would cost

If there was one thing that was incredibly clear coming out of the Detroit Lions' 2025 season, it's that they need a new center. Graham Glasgow is likely to retire, and Frank Ragnow is not coming back. Lions general manager Brad Holmes talked last week, and he's well aware that the Lions need to act on this. Saying "we’re definitely going to have to continue to look for one, whether it be free agency or the draft or a trade.”

There are some options in free agency and the draft, and we'll talk about those options in long form soon enough. But today, we want to talk about who the Lions could realistically get via trade and what they would cost. We've found three names. Here they are:

Cardinals center Hjalte Froholdt

Froholdt is on the older side of things at 29-years-old, so this isn't going to be a long-term thing. Frankly, anyone the Lions try to trade for at center is not likely to be a long-term guy. The Lions would have to go to free agency or the draft for that.

With that said, Froholdt is a solid starting center and has been for the last three years for Arizona. He can pass block and, more importantly, he can run block. In 2024, he had one of the highest run-blocking grades in the league among centers via Pro Football Focus. On the pass side of things, he allowed just one sack in 2025.

What the Lions would have to trade: The Lions could probably get this done for a 2026 sixth-round pick. They would be on the hook for a $6 million cap hit in 2026, and then he'll be a free agent in 2027.

Commanders center Tyler Biadasz

Another player on the older side in terms of age, but another guy who's been a solid and consistent starter for years. He allowed three sacks this year, but he was the 13th-highest graded run-blocking center in the league. Over The Cap recently listed him as one of the NFL's big cut candidates going into the offseason. The Lions could come in and make an offer and allow the Commanders to shed his contract and get something in return in the meantime.

What the Lions would have to trade: The Lions could send over the 2026 fifth-round compensatory pick they're projected to get for Kevin Zeitler, and that could get the deal done.

Jets center Joe Tippmann

The Jets tried Tippmann at right guard this season, and it went well, but he was so much better as a center. The thing is that the Jets have Josh Myers there now. This is the Lions' best chance at a long-term center via trade, as Tippmann is still just 24 years old. This is all going to depend on what the Jets want to do and if they're going through a full rebuild on offense or if they want to see what they can get out of the guys they have now.

What the Lions would have to trade: Detroit would have to give up at least a fourth-round pick in this year's draft to get this done. The Jets are taking a risk by letting this young player, whom they took in the second round in 2023, go. They're going to want something to ease that concern.

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.