Pro Bowl Guard Wyatt Teller Set to Hit Free Agency

Teller's ties to Lions OC Drew Petzing could make him an intriguing target for Detroit.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Longtime Cleveland Browns starting guard Wyatt Teller announced he will become a free agent this offseason. Teller has been a standout on the Browns' offensive line, earning Second Team All-Pro honors twice and making the Pro Bowl three times. His connection to new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who previously coached Teller in Cleveland, could make Teller an appealing target for Detroit as they look to bolster their interior offensive line.

Why it matters

The Lions have a need at guard after center Frank Ragnow retired last season. Signing Teller would give them a proven, Pro Bowl-caliber player to anchor the right side of their line alongside tackle Penei Sewell. Teller's familiarity with Petzing's system could also help ease his transition to Detroit.

The details

Teller has spent the last seven seasons in the NFL, the last four with the Browns after being traded from the Bills in 2019. He's emerged as one of the league's top guards, making the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022. Petzing was on the Browns' coaching staff for Teller's first three seasons in Cleveland, serving as the wide receivers coach and then the quarterbacks coach.

  • Teller announced he will become a free agent on February 19, 2026.
  • Petzing was hired as the Lions' offensive coordinator in January 2026.

The players

Wyatt Teller

A Pro Bowl guard who has spent the last seven seasons in the NFL, the last four with the Cleveland Browns.

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who previously coached Teller for three seasons with the Browns.

Frank Ragnow

The Lions' starting center who retired after the 2025 season, leaving a hole on the interior offensive line.

Tate Ratledge

A second-round draft pick by the Lions in 2026 who started at right guard as a rookie.

Christian Mahogany

A third-year pro who is expected to start at guard for the Lions in 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wish things were different and this is hard to put into words. When Buffalo traded me to Cleveland seven years ago, I never could have imagined how much this city would mean to me.”

— Wyatt Teller (Instagram)

What’s next

Teller is expected to draw significant interest on the free agent market, and his connection to Petzing could make him a prime target for the Lions as they look to upgrade their offensive line.

The takeaway

Signing Teller would give the Lions a proven, Pro Bowl-caliber guard to anchor their offensive line and provide veteran leadership to a young group. His familiarity with Petzing's system could also ease his transition to Detroit, making him an intriguing free agent target for the team.