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New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
What's next for the Lions after Frank Ragnow's retirement
After a few months of clarity and consideration, Frank Ragnow — the All-Pro center who anchored one of the league's best offensive lines — is calling it quits. In the end, Ragnow, 29, is prioritizing his long-term health. His seven-year career saw him play through injury after injury in an effort to help a losing franchise become a winner. Advertisement He'll be remembered fondly for it. 'These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL,' Ragnow announced on Instagram on Monday. 'I've tried to convince myself that I'm feeling good but I'm not and it's time to prioritize my health and my family's future. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't. I have to listen to my body, and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.' Ragnow's decision to retire was surprising to many, but not to the Lions. They've been in communication with Ragnow about his future for years, and have tried to prepare for this moment as much as they reasonably could. They've drafted several young interior offensive linemen. They've cross-trained players, and moved quickly to add depth after Ragnow's retirement. Don't think this wasn't on their radar. 'We're not going to pressure him to do anything or make any moves,' Lions general manager Brad Holmes said when asked about Ragnow's future after the 2023 season. 'But the communication will be diligent. It'll be thorough, it'll be respectful.' Ragnow, after years of speculation, is finally ready for the next chapter of life. In turn, the Lions must now navigate life without him. Here's how they can do it. Ragnow will go down as one of the best to wear the Detroit uniform and one of the best centers of his era, earning four Pro Bowl nods and three second-team All-Pro honors in just seven seasons. What he gave the Lions in the run game and in pass protection was special, and his elite preparation and football IQ helped him maximize his talents. He was responsible for alerting potential blitzes to the rest of the offensive line, while acting as a sounding board for his quarterbacks — Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. He was one of the league's best and brightest and could be left alone on an island because of his rare combination of physical talent and mental preparation. He was a special player. Advertisement Off the field, Ragnow was a beloved and respected figure in the locker room, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist. He helped oversee the transition from Matt Patricia to Dan Campbell and helped the Lions turn things around. Ragnow's contract was extended during this regime's first offseason together, in 2021 — amid a complete roster teardown. That the new guys deemed Ragnow as one of the guys to build around should tell you everything you need to know about him. There is no replacing a player like Ragnow. But the Lions will try. Detroit is positioned as well as a team reasonably could be to overcome his departure. Let's take a look at some of the players who could be asked to handle center responsibilities — either in games or in practice. Graham Glasgow: As things stand, Glasgow feels like the front-runner to replace Ragnow. He's the only player with any meaningful experience at center. Players and coaches applaud him for his knowledge of the game, and at this point it might be his most valuable trait. That would be highlighted more at center than guard, and his ability to play the position was something Campbell himself acknowledged as a strength of Glasgow's back in April. 'Graham's somebody that we still value because he's got versatility,' Campbell said. '…He can also play center. I think people forget that some. Man, he can do an excellent job at center. … So, yeah, we have confidence in him.' Glasgow has been Ragnow's primary backup since his return to the Lions in 2023, and those skills were needed. Glasgow's 2024 season was bumpy, as he allowed the sixth-most pressures among guards in the regular season, and nine more in the playoff loss to the Commanders. Glasgow wasn't fully healthy, but he is getting up there in age and doesn't move as well as he once did. Kicking inside to center could allow him to maximize his football IQ, while providing the Lions with a veteran to help Goff and anchor the offensive line, rather than a rookie. It could also allow the next name on this list to develop at his own pace. Advertisement Tate Ratledge: The only real in-house challenger to Glasgow is Ratledge, a second-round pick out of Georgia. Ratledge primarily played right guard in college and only sparingly played center in practices at Georgia. But he has the goods to handle it, as well as the right mentality. 'Yeah, it's different from guard, of course,' Ratledge said of taking center reps at rookie minicamp, 'But I'm glad I've had prior experience playing center, so it's nothing brand new to me. Coming back out here, getting the feel of it. But as far as center goes, you're taking control of the offensive line, so I kinda like that aspect of it.' Ratledge was a team captain at Georgia, winning two national titles in college. He tested as one of the most athletic interior linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a 9.99 relative athletic score when evaluated at center. His closest athletic comps? Creed Humphrey and Frank Ragnow. Well then — Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) June 4, 2025 In addition to his athleticism playing up at center, Ratledge played through injuries for his teammates, took it personally when his quarterback was touched and is viewed as a cerebral lineman. Sound familiar? If the idea was that the Lions could cross-train Ratledge to get him up to speed quickly enough to play center as a rookie, then Detroit's draft — already strong on paper — looks even better. Now, that's a steep learning curve for a rookie offensive lineman, so the fact that Ratledge has been taking first-team reps in OTAs could be more about the future than the present. But it certainly sounds like he could be the long-term answer. He'll have one of the league's best offensive line coaches — a former NFL center himself, Hank Fraley — showing him the ropes. 'Center is not as natural for him yet, so you definitely tend to give him more reps at that, snapping the ball, making it more comfortable,' Fraley said of Ratledge last month. '… I know the young man, getting to know him more after rookie minicamp and prior to that, he's going to do whatever I ask. …He definitely needs some time (at center), training. It's going to become natural for him. …In time, he's going to get it down and become a pretty good center here.' Advertisement Trystan Colon: On the heels of Ragnow's retirement, it was reported Wednesday that the Lions are signing former Arizona Cardinals G/C Trystan Colon. A UDFA out of Missouri in 2020, Colon has started games for the Ravens and Cardinals in his career, including a career-high seven last season, all coming at right guard. Colon has four career starts at center and that experience makes him an asset on a roster without much besides Glasgow. Colby Sorsdal: A fifth-round pick out of William & Mary in 2023, Sorsdal's future in Detroit has been harder to visualize than other young linemen the team has drafted. They gave him a shot as a rookie, starting three games with mixed results. As a sophomore last season, Sorsdal appeared in just one game and didn't log a single offensive snap — a healthy scratch for much of the season. Sorsdal was a tackle in college and was drafted to play guard, but he was spotted at center during OTAs last week. It could simply be cross-training, or it could help Sorsdal increase his value in a suddenly crowded interior offensive line room. Michael Niese: Niese, in a bit of a surprise move, earned a spot on the 53-man roster out of training camp. When the Lions had a big lead and it was time to empty the bench, Niese replaced Ragnow at times, playing 34 offensive snaps. For Niese to be active most game days and trusted enough to step in speaks to how the Lions feel about him. However, he could be on the outside looking in with some of the new additions to the roster. Kingsley Eguakun: A UDFA out of Florida last year, Eguakun spent the 2024 season developing on Detroit's practice squad. It's an investment that could eventually pay dividends. Eguakun was given a fifth-round grade by The Athletic's Dane Brugler coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft, ranked as the eighth-best pure center prospect. Eguakun is intriguing because the Lions can allow him to grow at his own pace while stashing him on the practice squad. But he has plenty of competition ahead of him. Ragnow's retirement has not been officially announced by the team or filed on the transaction wire, but because it's taking place post-June 1, the Lions have options for how they'd like to handle his cap hit. Ragnow is due a guaranteed option bonus of $3.6 million in both 2025 and 2026, but since he's retiring after June 1, the Lions could split that over two seasons. If the Lions decide to eat those bonuses in 2025, they'd free up $5.6 million in cap space from Ragnow's retirement for the 2025 season, with no cap hit for the 2026 season. Advertisement If the Lions use the post-June 1 retirement to pay out those bonuses over two seasons instead of one, they would free up roughly $9.2 million in 2025 from Ragnow's retirement, while being on the books for a $3.6 million cap hit in 2026. It remains to be seen which direction the Lions ultimately take, but they take a holistic view of the cap over multiple seasons, which is more important than year-to-year figures. In other words, what they do — and don't do — in 2025 affects their plans for 2026, 2027, 2028 and so on. Just because there's more money to use doesn't mean it will be used.
Fox News
4 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Lions Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow announces surprise retirement after 7 seasons
The Detroit Lions offense has taken another significant blow. Months after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow announced his abrupt retirement on Monday. Ragnow, 29, played seven seasons in the NFL, all for the Lions. Ragnow posted to social media that he has tried to convince himself he's feeling well enough to play, but he said he's not. "I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't," Ragnow, who was drafted 20th by the Lions in 2018, said in an Instagram post. "I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life." "These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL," Ragnow continued. "The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all." Ragnow battled through multiple injuries throughout his career. In 2021, following a season in which he played with a fractured throat, general manager Brad Holmes and Campbell made him the league's highest-paid center at the time with a $54 million, four-year extension. Ragnow earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023 and 2024. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2020 under then-coach Matt Patricia, and then made three straight from 2022-24. With Ragnow, the Lions earned the NFC's No. 1 seed with their 15-2 record, but they lost in the divisional round to the Washington Commanders. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow retires after 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who was key to coach Dan Campbell's Lions revival, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after seven seasons. Ragnow, 29, posted to social media that he has tried to convince himself he's feeling well enough to play, 'but I'm not,' he said. 'I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't,' said Ragnow, who was drafted 20th by the Lions in 2018. 'I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.' Ragnow battled through multiple injuries throughout his career. In 2021, following a season in which he played with a fractured throat, general manager Brad Holmes and Campbell made him the league's highest paid center at the time with a $54 million, four-year extension. Ragnow earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023 and 2024. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2020 under then-coach Matt Patricia, and then made three straight from 2022-24. 'These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL,' Ragnow said. 'The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.' ___ AP NFL:
New York Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Assessing Lions' looming homegrown player bills, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson
On the final day of March, set to speak at the NFL's owners' meetings later that day, Lions GM Brad Holmes woke up with an analogy in his head, one he felt succinctly explained the predicament of the roster he's assembled, and the discipline needed to ensure it stays intact. 'You have financial responsibilities,' Holmes began. 'You have a mortgage or your kid's college fund, your 529, you have insurance you have to pay. You know you have to pay those things. But that might require that you can't take the vacation you really want right now this summer. So, that's kind of where we are right now. 'We had so many of these young players that have been on rookie deals and we've been enjoying the impact that they've all been bringing. But now, a bill is coming.' OTA = Outwork Them All — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 29, 2025 The quote was in response to questions about Detroit's free-agency approach — conservative when compared to others in the NFC North and the league in general. Holmes reiterated his philosophy: using free agency to fill depth and add affordable starters, while saving money to re-sign Detroit's homegrown talents. And to be clear, there are many deserving of an extension. Advertisement It comes with the territory when you're drafting as well as Holmes has. The Lions have already dished out extensions to Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Derrick Barnes and Kerby Joseph — all drafted by Holmes. They've also extended Jared Goff, Taylor Decker and David Montgomery. But with more extensions looming, will the Lions be able to retain the majority of their young core? Or will they be forced to trade or let a few walk? Good problems to have, but problems nonetheless. Let's take a look at some homegrown players due for paydays and how they fit into Detroit's plans. Overview: The Lions have done well to take care of their 2021 draft class, which was the first for this regime. Sewell, St. Brown, McNeill and Barnes have all been extended, but there might not be room in the budget for another standout from that class — Onwuzurike. A 2021 second-round pick, Onwuzurike was viewed as a disruptive three-technique to build around. However, a back injury stunted his development and forced him to miss the entire 2022 season. He returned in 2023, but clearly was shaking off the rust. But last season was a true breakout year. Onwuzurike ranked top 15 among defensive tackles in pressures (45) and win rate (12.2 percent; min. 125 pass rush snaps) last season, per PFF. It felt like Onwuzurike and the Lions would part ways this offseason, but he's back for the 2025 season. It's possible teams were hesitant to pay him with just one year of meaningful NFL production, but another year could price him out of Detroit. Market and players to watch: Quite frankly, the Lions were lucky to get him back at his current price — a one-year deal worth $4 million. If he produces another top-15 quality season, could he find himself making top-15 money? That would put him at $20 million annually. He'd be 28 next March and very much in the prime of his career. In that scenario, it'd be hard to envision him back with the Lions. But Onwuzurike must first prove he can replicate his 2024 breakout. Lions G Kevin Zeitler asked for his thoughts on Detroit's defensive line. Zeitler: "I think we're gonna have two $20-plus million dollar D-tackles soon." Followed up with him to ask who he was talking about. Alim McNeill and…Levi Onwuzurike. — Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 1, 2024 Overview: Moving onto the 2022 class, the big name is, of course, Hutchinson. The No. 2 pick in that draft, Hutchinson has lived up to that pedigree and more. He's elevated his game each year in the league and is now one of the game's elite edge rushers — on a torrid pace before a broken leg ended a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber start. That means he'll come at a price, but the Lions will happily pay it to keep one of the faces of the franchise. They already picked up his fifth-year option, guaranteeing he'll be with the Lions through the 2026 season. But it's only a matter of time before he and the team agree to an extension. Market and players to watch: Myles Garrett reset the market this offseason, signing a 4-year, $160 million contract that made him the highest-paid defensive player in the league at an AAV of $40 million. Maxx Crosby signed for 35.5 million per year. You have to think Hutchinson, who's younger than both, will be closer to Garrett than Crosby. He could wind up in the $40 million tier of pass rushers. Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise. Advertisement Overview: Williams' career in Detroit has been one thing after another. A torn ACL limited him to four games as a rookie in 2022. A gambling suspension sidelined him for four games in 2023. A two-game suspension in 2024, amid a breakout year. The turbulence accompanying him has often overshadowed his on-field traits. But we saw his potential realized in 2024, en route to a 1,000-yard season in his first year as a starter. Williams' value to the Lions is clear. His speed is game-changing and opens things up for everyone around him. Detroit's offense was nearly impossible to stop with him producing. He's one of the guys now, and if he continues to grow, he'll be paid soon. Whether or not the Lions will be the team that foots that bill beyond the fifth-year option they picked up is TBD. 'In terms of (an) extension, again, there's a lot of extensions that are hopefully coming,' Holmes said when asked specifically if Williams is an extension candidate. 'But it's just one that you just don't know what's going to happen from a financial standpoint, because a wide receiver is expensive. Very expensive. So, look, these are good problems.' Market and players to watch: Williams is a No. 2 receiver in Detroit's offense, so that's what we'll use to evaluate his market. Some notable No. 2 receivers who've signed extensions recently include DeVonta Smith ($25 million AAV), Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million AAV), and Tee Higgins ($28.75 million AAV). All of those players have had more production and less off-the-field drama than Williams, but with another strong season, Williams could solidify himself as one of the top No. 2 receivers in the league. If that happens, he'll be paid as such. By someone. Of all the players on this list, Williams might have the most trade value. Teams are always looking for speed, and if the Lions view Williams as the odd-man-out, they could look to trade him next season in exchange for draft capital. The Lions traded much of their 2026 capital to acquire Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa in the draft this year. Overview: The 2023 NFL Draft was stacked at tight end, and LaPorta flew under the radar among his peers. Dalton Kincaid, Michael Mayer, Luke Musgrave and others ranked higher on the consensus big board, but the Lions made LaPorta the second-highest tight end drafted that year. Since then, LaPorta has led the 2023 class and ranks top five among all tight ends in receptions (146), yards (1,615) and touchdowns (17). He's still working to polish his blocking, but he's not a negative there, and his ability to produce yards after the catch and come down with contested catches makes him a quarterback's best friend. He's one of the game's elite receiving tight ends, and his egoless on-field style makes him an excellent culture fit. Advertisement 'There were a lot of weapons last year, so I kept hearing comments this offseason, 'Why didn't you get the ball as much?'' LaPorta said. 'It's like, 'Dude, we scored the most points of any team in the NFL in the last five years. Everybody deserves the ball.'' Market and players to watch: George Kittle and Trey McBride just reset the tight end market this offseason with new contracts paying them north of $19 million per season. Mark Andrews and David Njoku are free agents next offseason. LaPorta has two more years left on his rookie deal, but 2026 is likely when he'll begin contract talks with the Lions. It could end with him becoming a $20 million TE. Given his early success and do-it-all mentality, LaPorta should be high on the list of players to extend. This franchise has searched far and wide for a mainstay at tight end and finally has one in LaPorta. Overview: Branch was viewed as one of the top defensive players in the 2023 draft, but fell to the second round because of questions about his speed and athleticism. The league's loss was Detroit's gain, though, as the Lions traded up three spots in the second round to acquire his services. Since then, Branch has been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He was a standout nickel as a rookie and earned Pro Bowl honors at safety in Year 2. He can hit, cover and blitz, making him a defensive coordinator's dream. As a second-round pick, Branch doesn't have a fifth-year option, which means he'll hit free agency after the 2026 season. Like LaPorta, extension talks will likely begin next offseason. Market and players to watch: Kerby Joseph, Branch's running mate at safety, is the highest-paid safety in the league. He signed a four-year, $86 million extension in April. Could Branch surpass that? And would it make sense for the Lions to have two safeties making north of $20 million per year? That's the number to beat. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton is another player who will soon join the $20 million club. He has had a similar trajectory and plays a similar style, not to mention they're about the same age. You have to think Branch will be taken care of. He's one of the most valuable players on this Detroit defense. Zuppppppppperrr DESERVE EVERY LAST PENNY 💯 — Alpha🐕 (@BrianBB_1) April 23, 2025 Overview: The Lions told the NFL that running backs do, in fact, matter when they selected Gibbs 12th in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was called a reach. It was described as a poor use of draft capital. But Gibbs has been a catalyst for this offense, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl honors to begin his career. When David Montgomery injured his knee late last year, Gibbs proved he could elevate his game, scoring six touchdowns and averaging 162.3 scrimmage yards from Weeks 16-18. He's one of the best running backs in the league and he's just getting started. Market and players to watch: Saquon Barkley (two years, $41.2 million) and Derrick Henry (two years, $30 million) both signed extensions this offseason, and Christian McCaffrey is right between them at $19 million per year. If the Lions pick up Gibbs' fifth-year option next year, he'll be signed through the 2027 season, so there's no rush to get something done next year. But James Cook, Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker are all set to hit free agency in 2026. They're ones to watch. Bijan Robinson, selected ahead of Gibbs in 2023, is on a similar timeline. Gibbs is an elite running back and will be paid as one. When it's time to discuss an extension, expect Gibbs to eclipse the $20 million mark, and it wouldn't be surprising if he becomes the highest-paid back in football. Advertisement Overview: The Lions made a surprising pick when they drafted Campbell 18th in 2023, but he was the highest-graded player on their board. They didn't hesitate to take him. Holmes said Campbell's size, length, range and physicality stood out to him in the pre-draft process. Those traits were on display in his second season, where he started all 17 games at middle linebacker and recorded 131 tackles with a top-5 PFF grade among linebackers (min. 600 snaps). Campbell is a guy who'd play 34 games a season if they let him. He's been a perfect fit on and off the field, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's voted a captain soon. He has the look of a 10-year anchor in the heart of Detroit's defense, should the Lions extend him. Market and players to watch: Campbell is coming off an excellent sophomore season, and if he repeats it in Year 3, he'll cement his status as a true core player. As a first-round pick, he comes with a fifth-year option, so like Gibbs, the Lions don't have to rush this one. Fred Warner reset the market for linebackers, signing a 3-year, $63 million extension ($21 million AAV) with the 49ers this month. That surpassed Roquan Smith's AAV, which was previously the highest at $20 million. The Eagles signed Zack Baun to a 3-year, $51 million extension this offseason, while Kansas City's Nick Bolton signed a 3-year, $45 million extension in March. Campbell should be able to command that much — likely more. How much Campbell ultimately receives will depend on his continued development, but given his age, trajectory and contract timeline, he'll likely end up on the higher end of the spectrum. Top-five LB money would put him at $15 million per year, as things stand. If the Lions are looking to save money for Campbell, after already paying Barnes this offseason, you have to wonder what the future holds for Alex Anzalone. He's entering the final year of his contract and has been a captain and core player since he arrived in 2021. Anzalone has earned a pay bump, but so have others on this list.
New York Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
What to watch at Lions OTAs: Aidan Hutchinson's return, Jameson Williams' progress, more
The Detroit Lions kick off OTAs this week, in what will be our first glimpse of the team Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have assembled for the upcoming season. The highs of last year's magical 15-2 regular season were subdued by the lows of an abrupt playoff exit. With questions surrounding the coaching staff, key players working back from injuries and what looks to be a difficult schedule, it feels as if the Lions are flying a bit under the radar this offseason compared to last. Advertisement And maybe that's how they like it. We'll hear from Campbell and players on Friday. Until then, here's what we'll be watching: Hutchinson revealed last week that he's been fully cleared for team activities, and Friday will be our first opportunity to see him practice since he broke his leg in October. As one would imagine, Hutchinson has been champing at the bit to play again. A Super Bowl return last season always seemed like a long shot, especially considering how depleted the Lions were heading into the playoffs. Who knows how effective Hutchinson even would've been in February. But that's in the past. 'I feel like it's those trials and tribulations that really kind of mature you as a person, as a player,' Hutchinson said. 'It was a tough rehab, and I feel like now that I'm on the other side of it, looking back, you're kind of grateful for those experiences because it formed you into the person you are today.' "I'm fully cleared" — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 22, 2025 Lions coaches have said they can sense Hutchinson is returning to form just by watching him. The team could opt to take things slow with its star pass rusher, but regardless, it'll be nice to see him out there again. He was putting together a special 2024 season before his injury. If he can recapture that magic, he'll be among the frontrunners for Comeback Player of the Year — and probably Defensive Player of the Year, too. Hutchinson said this is the most excited he's ever been about OTAs. And it's safe to say the Lions are happy to have him back. 'He looks really good,' new Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers said. 'I'm sitting here just imagining what this guy went through, what he worked on to get back in case (the Lions) made it to the end last year and didn't. Then to see where he is right now is just — this guy, he's a true pro.' Advertisement 'His presence means a lot to not only the defensive side, but to us,' Penei Sewell said. 'His work ethic, that type of energy, everyone just gravitates to (it). We all want to be that type of guy, come in each and every day with relentless (effort) and be relentless both in the classroom and on the field.' We got a glimpse of Campbell's staff in action at rookie minicamp. If that was any indication, this group will be extremely vocal and active. Watching them interact, you'd think they've been coaching together for years. At rookie minicamp, Kelvin Sheppard and John Morton were active participants in practice, often offering tips after various reps or some tough love when needed. Tashard Choice's energy was contagious with the running backs, and one has to think Jahmyr Gibbs — a pupil of Choice's at Georgia Tech — and David Montgomery are going to love playing for him. Scottie Montgomery looked at home coaching wide receivers, the position he played. He'll be asked to develop rookie Isaac TeSlaa into a true weapon while trying to get the most out of others on the roster. This week will offer a chance to see this staff work with the entire team, not just the rookies, UDFAs and tryout players. Knowing Campbell and his eye for coaching talent, I'd expect everyone to look right at home. You knew it was only a matter of time before Williams made an appearance here — he's set up shop on the list of players to watch at each phase of the offseason since his rookie year. Usually, that discussion has been clouded by injuries, suspension or a general lack of production. But fresh off his first 1,000-yard campaign, Williams seems poised for a big year. His coaches have noticed a change in demeanor and a greater attention to detail. They think it could lead to an even better year than the one he just had. Advertisement 'He was here when I got back (in the facility), so that's a big deal to me,' Montgomery said. 'When I came off of the couple-week break we had, Jamo was already here. In the offseason, I didn't have to call him. Once I got the job, he knew exactly what it was. He came up just to say hello to me, because he knew what we needed to get done. And then (he had) … probably one of the better meetings I've ever seen him in. It was a total offensive meeting. … The communication level and the questions and the football IQ and the acumen that he was asking questions about is what you really wanted to see.' Said Morton of Williams: 'When I first got here, he came in to see me, we had a chat and I'm painting the picture — 'This is what you need to do, this is how I see it' — and he has been unbelievable. Unbelievable. In the meetings, the attention to detail, I mean, I'm so excited to see him this year. It's going to be a breakout year for him. So I can't wait. I just can't wait, man.' In this offense, Williams is a big play waiting to happen because of his second-level speed and how Detroit's receivers work in tandem to create mismatches. That he put up 1,001 receiving yards in 15 games as the second (or third) option in this passing attack last year speaks to how dynamic he can be in space. But he also has room to grow as a route runner and professional wide receiver. He has the talent to get there. If he does, it won't matter who's calling plays. It's typical for some veterans to miss the voluntary portions of the NFL's offseason, including OTAs. So, don't expect every player to be out there Friday. With the Lions canceling mandatory minicamp to accommodate an earlier July return ahead of the Hall of Fame Game, however, we might see more faces than usual this week. And that, in turn, could make the absences a bit more notable. One question is if LB Alex Anzalone will be in attendance. He wasn't at OTAs last year, so it wouldn't be much of a shift, but Lions coaches were coy when asked if Anzalone has been around the facility during offseason workouts. Advertisement 'I got no comment on that,' Lions LBs coach Shaun Dion Hamilton said. 'You talk to coach Campbell about him. I'm not in charge of answering those types of questions.' If Anzalone isn't in attendance, it could be as simple as a veteran opting for more rest with a long season ahead. However, it's worth mentioning that Anzalone is entering the final year of his contract. In recent months on social media, he has shared statistics and metrics highlighting his value and what the Lions ask of him coverage. His pinned post on X features a photo of himself with the caption, 'Respect is due.' 'I have zero concern,' Sheppard said of Anzalone. 'That player's a leader here, he's been a leader here. He's been an intricate piece in building the culture that's here, and I'm gonna pay the respect that he's earned and that he's due, and whatever his private situations are, I'll let Alex address those when he's face to face with you all. What I can tell you is, as far as it concerns me, it has no effect on how I see Alex or how I view him. That's one of our captains, he's been one of our captains, and I still see it as such.' Anzalone has earned a pay bump after signing a three-year, $18.75 million contract in 2023. However, as the Lions continue to take care of their homegrown talent, will there be enough money in the budget for a contract extension that could start at, say, $10 million per year? It's not an easy discussion, especially when it involves a player who helped build this culture from the ground up. We'll see if Anzalone is in attendance. If not, Campbell will be there to answer for him. The last time rookies took the field with the media around, first-round pick Tyleik Williams participated only briefly. The Lions were being cautious with him, as he went from Ohio State's extended title run straight into the draft process. Will Williams be more involved at OTAs? Meanwhile, TeSlaa impressed at rookie minicamp, but how will he fare against physical NFL defensive backs such as D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Amik Roberston and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.? For TeSlaa to reach his ceiling, he'll need continued reps against press-man corners. This will be a good early test. Advertisement The Lions won't be in full pads until training camp, but I'm curious to see how Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier are discussed and deployed. If some of the veteran offensive linemen are given time off during OTAs, Detroit's two rookie linemen could see plenty of action (albeit, in shorts). Will Ratledge continue to cross-train at center? Will Frazier play some tackle? There will be opportunities for both players to get in some good work. This also will be our first time talking to Campbell since the rookie class arrived, so hearing his thoughts on each draft pick and their fit within the organization will be a nice change of pace after Holmes provided the front office's evaluations in April. (Top photo of Aidan Hutchinson: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
