Former Cowboys Coach Predicts Major Detroit Lions O-Line Overhaul

Garrett emphasizes the importance of the offensive line in the Lions' previous success and need to rebuild it.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett believes the Detroit Lions will focus on overhauling their offensive line this offseason in order to regain the form that secured them back-to-back NFC North Division championships and consecutive playoff appearances. Garrett noted the critical role of the offensive line in enabling a strong running game and effective play-action passing, which were central to the Lions' prior success.

Why it matters

The looming overhaul of the Detroit Lions offensive line is a crucial step toward restoring the team's ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, which was central to their prior run of success. The potential departures of key veterans like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow add urgency to the need for effective replacements and fresh talent.

The details

Garrett emphasized the importance of the offensive line in driving the team's previous success, noting the line's critical role in enabling a strong running game and effective play-action passing. Following the Lions' season finale in January against the Chicago Bears, longtime offensive tackle Taylor Decker suggested he might be nearing the end of his NFL career, citing concerns beyond his personal ability to play. In response to fan doubts about the front office's prioritization of the offensive line, GM Brad Holmes affirmed that the unit has not been overlooked despite some challenges acquiring new talent.

  • In January, Taylor Decker suggested he might be nearing the end of his NFL career.
  • Last year, center Frank Ragnow retired and attempted a comeback but was forced to end it prematurely due to a failed physical exam.

The players

Jason Garrett

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach who currently serves as a studio analyst and color commentator.

Taylor Decker

Longtime offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who suggested he might be nearing the end of his NFL career.

Frank Ragnow

Former center for the Detroit Lions who retired last year and attempted a comeback but was forced to end it prematurely due to a failed physical exam.

Brad Holmes

General Manager of the Detroit Lions who affirmed that the offensive line has not been overlooked despite some challenges acquiring new talent.

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What they’re saying

“I just think they have to. I mean, to me, when they were really rolling the last couple years, that was the strength of their team. They were able to run the football, control the line of scrimmage, then all of a sudden the play-action passes come alive. All those special plays that they ran, it's because they're winning the line of scrimmage. And I think they have to get back to that, and I think they understand that.”

— Jason Garrett (theconwaybulletin.com)

“You know how in those fantasy like medieval shows there's like that old warrior and he just wants to die in battle? I feel like that's how I feel, but I can't. I can't do that because it's not just me. It doesn't just affect me. Hypothetically speaking about it. And that makes it harder. That makes it so much harder because I know I can still play, but what is that going to make the future of my family look like? And my future?”

— Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle (theconwaybulletin.com)

“The offensive line as a whole, it hasn't been ignored. We've drafted in 2021 and then (in) 2022 we didn't, but 2023 we went late. You'd be surprised about the moves that we tried to do that we could not get done that involved offensive linemen, whether that be draft or free agency. But it hasn't been ignored. We tried to do the best we can. I was excited about the youth injection that we did go with. I think it was necessary.”

— Brad Holmes, General Manager (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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