Eight Centers Lions Could Sign to Replace Frank Ragnow

The Detroit Lions will be forced to find a new centerpiece of the offensive line following center Frank Ragnow's retirement.

There are internal options available for the team, including Tate Ratledge and Graham Glasgow. With Ragnow not participating in OTAs, both players have had the opportunity to rep with the first-team offense.

Still, it will be no easy task to replace Ragnow. The team could seek external help, and there are some intriguing veteran options available.

Here are eight potential options the Lions could target to fill the void at center with Ragnow retiring.

Daniel Brunskill

Brunskill might be the best available option for Detroit, as he has experience and versatility that would benefit the team. He has started 66 of his 92 career appearances, including eight starts at center this season for the Tennessee Titans.

The veteran also spent time at tackle and guard last year, giving him a wealth of versatility that would make signing him beneficial even if he didn't win the starting center job.

At age-31, there is some concern for potential regression, but he could provide a steady hand for what will be a young interior offensive line. Additionally, he offers the flexibility to contribute at tackle if necessary.

Mike Panasiuk

A former Michigan State Spartan, Panasiuk has spent the spring playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks and earned All-UFL honors for the second straight season on Monday. He has spent time with three NFL organizations, but has yet to latch on with any.

With this experience in the UFL, and the fact that he's been performing at a high level, he could be set up for success at the NFL level. He was a two-time All-Big 10 honoree during his time at Michigan State.

Panasiuk will be 28 in October, and on the heels of a strong UFL season could be ready to provide strong competition for the likes of Ratledge and Glasgow in training camp. The Lions have given several UFL players opportunities in the past, including signing former Michigan Panthers OL Jake Burton for training camp last season.

Leif Fautanu

Another potential option for the Lions could be to reunite with one of the initial members of their undrafted free agent class in Fautanu. Signed after the draft out of Arizona State, Fautanu participated in rookie minicamp but was waived as the team made three signings amongst their tryout players.

Because he has some recent familiarity with the organization, Fautanu could be a reasonable addition who could come in and compete for a spot. He was a key piece of an Arizona State team that reached the College Football Playoff, and has some upside as a long-armed and durable prospect.

Nick Gates

Similar to Brunskill, Gates is a veteran lineman with experience starting at multiple positions across the offensive line. Last season, he served as a backup interior offensive lineman for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Gates got to start at center in Week 18 with the Eagles resting a number of their starters, and produced a 53.2 overall offensive Pro Football Focus grade in the team's win over the New York Giants.

In his career, he has 40 starts in 66 total appearances. The veteran is another option that could provide value with his ability to play multiple positions, and as such would be a nice late-offseason find.

RELATED: What Frank Ragnow Retiring Means For Lions