Detroit Lions' All-Pro center Frank Ragnow retires June 2025; Trystan Colon signed as replacement. How will this impact the Lions' 2024 season offense?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Well, Lions fans, the news we hoped wasn't true has hit hard: Frank Ragnow, the bedrock of our offensive line, has officially hung up his cleats. What many initially speculated was a contract holdout has been confirmed as retirement, marking the end of an era for one of the NFL's premier centers. But in a swift move, the Lions have already brought in Trystan Colon, who is now tasked with stepping into those massive shoes.
Losing a player of Frank's caliber is a huge blow, but the team's immediate signing of Colon shows a clear plan to maintain strength at a critical position.
While the offensive line saw a major shake-up, there's promising news emerging from the defensive side of the ball. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is reportedly making a strong impression during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). This is a welcome development, especially after Rakestraw was listed as questionable for Week 1 with a hamstring injury earlier in the week. His apparent quick recovery and positive performance are exactly what Head Coach Dan Campbell wants to see as he cultivates a competitive atmosphere. Rakestraw's development is particularly crucial for a secondary that battled significant injury woes last season. A healthy and impactful Rakestraw could be a game-changer for the Lions' defensive aspirations.
Friday brought a seismic shift for the Lions. Saying goodbye to a legend like Ragnow stings, no doubt. But the quick move for Colon shows a proactive approach, and Rakestraw’s emergence offers a dose of optimism. The landscape has changed, but the Honolulu Blue and Silver march on. Training camp just got a whole lot more interesting as we watch these new dynamics unfold.
