Lions' veteran lineman issued huge challenge ahead of critical 2025 season

The Detroit Lions were sent into summer shaken by the news that center Frank Ragnow would be retiring, and ever since, the conversation has focused on how to replace the lineman.

Ragnow played a vital role as the leader of Detroit's line, so replacing his production and ability will not be easy. The Lions are likely to have rookie Tate Ratledge step in immediately, but the franchise may want a veteran to steady the ship early on.

Enter Graham Glasgow, another key piece many are forgetting in the lead up to the new season. Pro Football Focus realizes how important his role is, however. Dalton Wasserman cited Glasgow his "make or break" player for the Lions in 2025.

"Kevin Zeitler’s departure in free agency and Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement leave Graham Glasgow as the only veteran presence on Detroit’s interior offensive line. Whether he plays guard or center this season, Glasgow needs to perform better than he did last season. His 57.2 PFF overall grade was his lowest figure since his rookie season in 2016."

"Glasgow will likely be starting alongside Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge, who have two career NFL starts between them. Glasgow needs to be the glue that holds the interior together in Detroit."

READ MORE: Under the radar Lions' assistant tabbed as next to leave for a head coaching job

Early in camp, the Lions have focused on getting Ratledge experience, but it would make sense if they decided on playing Glasgow at center and Ratledge at guard to start. In the event of a disaster, the Lions could pivot back to their rookie at center and kick Glasgow outside.

Either way, the health of Detroit's line likely hinges on if Glasgow can be an adequate replacement for Ragnow. At 32, he is aging, but should theoretically be in his prime to play competent enough football to help the Lions' standard remain the same.

Dan Skipper reveals major pressure Lions' entire line faces in 2025

Glasgow can take solace in the fact that it isn't just him facing a huge season. Every veteran offensive lineman the Lions have knows they will need to step up following the departure of Ragnow, from the inside out.

Skipper believes that the former center set the perfect tone not only on game day, but during the week in order to prepare the Lions for victory. In his mind, it's going to be hard to duplicate his approach with one person, so everyone needs to bring their best consistently.

"You can't minimize that loss. It puts a huge load on everyone else because (Frank Ragnow) shows up every day, he's the first one in the film room knocking down the door, figuring out the game plan, all the weird looks (and) the weird calls that you fall into and that's on someone else now. He's not here, so collectively, whoever's playing center, they've got to do that. Jared (Goff's) going to shoulder some of that load too, but collectively, we all have to band together, find the weak points and get better because at the end of the day, the game's going to go on long after I'm gone, long after Frank's gone. We just have to shoulder the load, pick it up and go from there."

For Detroit, it could well start with Glasgow anchoring the position of his former friend. If the Lions turn to that option, the heat is on him to hold the line, literally and figuratively.