Frank Ragnow: “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I am not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my families future. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.” https://t.co/OkvEMzbkdJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2025
Ragnow was absent from organized team activities last week, sparking rumors that he was potentially looking for an extension. He had two years remaining on a four-year, $54 million deal signed in 2021 that at the time made him the league's highest-paid center.
Ragnow's departure can only be seen as a massive blow to arguably the Lions' greatest strength. Pro Football Focus gave Ragnow an 86.1 overall grade in 2024, second among all centers, and the Lions' offensive line was one of the league's truly dominant units. Over 17 regular-season games, the Lions finished first in points scored, second in yards gained and net yards per passing attempt, and seventh in yards per rushing attempt.
Ragnow's retirement also comes at an incredibly inopportune time for the Lions. The free agent market has largely been picked clean, and the Lions likely entered the 2025 NFL Draft under the assumption that they had a starting center in place. They took Georgia tackle Tate Ratledge in the second round and LSU guard Miles Frazier in the fifth, but neither could reasonably be expected to slide in and replace Ragnow seamlessly.
Ultimately, Ragnow's decision is a mature one. He has made plenty of money in the NFL, and if he feels his body breaking and his spirit waning, walking away from the sport now is his best chance at assuring himself a healthy and happy life for years to come.
Still, what's good for Ragnow won't necessarily be good for the Lions. They may need to explore other rosters around the league for potential offensive line help, either through trade or potential releases.
Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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