Lions Strongly Advised to Add 7-Time Pro Bowler Amid O-Line Struggles

Veteran guard Joel Bitonio could help shore up Detroit's offensive line issues.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:56am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, steel gray, and burnt orange, representing the fragmented nature of the Detroit Lions' offensive line.A cubist interpretation of the Detroit Lions' offensive line struggles, deconstructing the unit's weaknesses into a fragmented geometric composition.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Lions' offensive line took a step back in 2025, with the interior proving to be the biggest weakness. With left guard Christian Mahogany and center Graham Glasgow identified as the weakest links, the team needs to fortify the guard position. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport suggests the Lions should pursue former Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, a 7-time Pro Bowler who would provide veteran leadership and stability to the unit.

Why it matters

The Lions' offensive line struggles last season could derail their hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2026 if not addressed. Bringing in a proven veteran like Bitonio could help solidify the interior and give the team's offense a better chance of success.

The details

In 2025, the Lions' offensive line was slightly above-average, dropping from a top-four unit the previous year. The interior was the biggest issue, with left guard Christian Mahogany and center Graham Glasgow identified as the weakest links. Glasgow has since been replaced by Cade Mays, but the team still needs to fortify the guard position. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport suggests the Lions should pursue former Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, a 7-time Pro Bowler who surrendered just 2 sacks and committed 1 penalty in almost 1,100 snaps last year.

  • The Detroit Lions' offensive line took a step back in 2025.

The players

Joel Bitonio

A 7-time Pro Bowl offensive guard who played for the Cleveland Browns.

Christian Mahogany

The Detroit Lions' left guard in 2025, identified as one of the weakest links on the team's offensive line.

Graham Glasgow

The Detroit Lions' center in 2025, who has since been replaced by Cade Mays.

Cade Mays

The Detroit Lions' new center, signed on a value deal to replace Graham Glasgow.

Gary Davenport

A writer for Bleacher Report who suggested the Lions should pursue Joel Bitonio.

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What they’re saying

“Not that long ago, the Detroit Lions fielded arguably the best offensive line in the NFL. There are a few guards available on the open market, including one with seven Pro Bowls in the last eight years on his professional resumé.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Writer

“In almost 1,100 snaps last year with the Cleveland Browns, the 34-year-old surrendered just two sacks and committed a single penalty according to Pro Football Focus. He'd be a steady veteran addition who would likely welcome the chance to play for a contender again.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Writer

The takeaway

Addressing the offensive line, particularly the guard position, will be crucial for the Detroit Lions to have a chance at returning to the playoffs in 2026. Signing a veteran like Joel Bitonio, who has proven to be a reliable and dominant guard, could be the missing piece to solidify the unit and give the team's offense a better chance of success.