In a roster move that will create over $5.5 million in cap space, the Detroit Lions announced on Monday that they have released offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.
Glasgow was originally drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After starting at center, he moved to the guard position, and left after the 2019 season following a frustrating guard rotation under Matt Patricia. After three seasons with the Denver Broncos, Glasgow returned to Detroit in 2023 on a one-year deal. With a strong return season in Detroit, Glasgow earned a three-year, $20 million extension in 2024. However, Glasgow was then forced to play left guard in 2024, then center in 2025 after Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement—despite right guard being his most natural spot.
After struggles in the past two seasons, the Lions have opted to release Glasgow before the final year of his deal. Glasgow was set to make a $6.5 million salary in 2026.
The Lions are believed to see some serious overhaul on their offensive line this season after the entire unit took a step back in 2025. While Taylor Decker is expected to return for 2026, the Lions will now be on the search for a starting center. Tate Ratledge, the team’s 2025 second-round pick, remains an option there. So is Juice Scruggs, the former Texans offensive lineman acquired in the David Montgomery trade. However, expect Detroit to add more competition in the interior offensive line as free agency kicks off next week.
At this point, it’s unclear if Glasgow, 33 years old, will play another season or call it a career after 10 years in the NFL.
UPDATE: Glasgow offered this message on Twitter:
“I’m grateful for the 7 years I’ve spent as a Detroit Lion. I’m thankful for the great teammates, coaches, and friends I had along the way. I love this city and the fans that have supported me for the better part of a decade. There truly was no place I would have rather been.
Whether the times were good or bad, I’m proud of the time that I was able to spend here. Detroit and being a Lion has had a huge impact on making me into the man that I am today, and because of that, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
I wish the Lions, especially my former teammates, nothing but the best. I will always be a fan of the guys who I took the field with, and I’ll always be a fan of the team that changed my life. Thank you!”
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