Dan Campbell confirms the Lions knew Frank Ragnow was thinking about retiring, the Lions' big ask from him, and Campbell slams some disrespect

Detroit Lions fans and media were shocked by Frank Ragnow's retirement on Monday, but who wasn't shocked were the Lions. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media for the first time since Ragnow's retirement on Thursday and confirmed that the Lions knew Ragnow was contemplating retirement after the 2024 season. 

Campbell said that the Lions gave Ragnow space on the decision, aside from Campbell saying that he did counsel Ragnow when Frank asked for counsel. 

The Lions did have one big ask for him during the process, and that was for him to let the team know what his decision would be before the offseason ended. Ragnow definitely helped the Lions out there by retiring before training camp started. 

Campbell also made it a point to shut down any talk that Ragnow was looking for a new deal after there were reports that he was and that he was "unhappy" with his contract. 

"The other thing is, quite frankly, some of the stuff about contract talk that's disrespectful. That's not what this is ever about."

There was a lot of thought after Monday when hindsight started kicking in for everyone that the Lions knew this was coming, and that explained some of the comments the team had made ahead of the draft or free agency, and it certainly helped explain the Lions drafting two interior offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Campbell says the Lions also feel good about where they're at with the offensive line right now, but that they're aware that they will have to get some guys developed quickly. Campbell says that's why Hank Fraley has the job, because he thinks Fraley can do that. We'll see what happens in training camp soon.