Detroit’s largest need is one that doesn’t have a ton of optionality on the free agent market this offseason. The Lions’ gaping hole at center can make or break their ability to get their run game going, which we saw was an issue for their offense throughout 2025.

One of the top free agents this offseason is, in fact, a center: Tyler Linderbaum. The Baltimore Ravens center has been one of their best lineman since 2022, and is truthfully likely to return to Baltimore considering they’re still in contention mode alongside Lamar Jackson.

But, the Lions would be a great fit for Linderbaum, and vice versa. Outside of Trey Hendrickson, it feels like he’d be their best acquisition in years without having to give up any picks in the process. It just doesn’t feel realistic, especially after ESPN just named him as the 3rd-best free agent in the entire league.

ESPN names Linderbaum has 3rd-best free agent in NFL free agency

Matt Bowen wrote of Linderbaum’s impending free agency, and why he’s a great fit for the New York Giants rather than the Lions:

“Linderbaum can follow coach John Harbaugh to New York. Given his movement traits, he would fit the Giants’ zone and gap schemes, and his 97.2% pass block win rate with the Ravens tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season. The Giants would be landing the top offensive lineman in free agency … but let’s keep an eye on the Raiders here, as well. They could also use Linderbaum’s tone-setting mentality on the interior.”

Adding Linderbaum to the Lions’ offensive line would free them up in this year’s draft to focus on procuring a tackle or edge rusher at 17th overall, especially in a class chock-full of potentially great tackles that can develop behind Taylor Decker. If he retires, that might accelerate their timeline at the position, likely pushing Detroit to sign a tackle rather than draft one.

That wipes any money for a center off the board, and especially any money for a top tier free agent like Linderbaum. Per Spotrac, he’s expected to get a deal to the tune of 4 years, $70.8 million. He’s an extremely valuable piece to the Ravens’ offense, especially if they plan on relying on Derrick Henry heavily in 2026.

Investing in a center would be huge for Detroit and their new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing. He is likely seeking to revitalize their run game just as he attempted numerous times while with the Arizona Cardinals, and attempted successfully. Without a run-blocking wall up front to rely on, the Lions are staring down another season with struggles in the trenches.

But, it just doesn’t feel realistic with their current cap situation. Barring a trade or major cuts, the Lions are likely looking down drafting a center, or shifting Tate Ratledge over despite how successful he was at right guard in 2025.