Detroit Lions Release Graham Glasgow After Second Tenure Ends The Detroit Lions have parted ways with guard Graham Glasgow, a move that had been anticipated for some time. The team officially announced the release of the veteran player on Monday, marking the end of his second stint with the franchise. Glasgow, who joined the Lions in 2016 as a third-round draft pick, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the team before being traded to the Denver Broncos in 2020. He returned to Detroit in 2023, where he transitioned to playing both guard and center. The decision to cut Glasgow came after a thorough evaluation of his performance over the past few seasons. The Lions’ coaching staff and front office concluded that his peak contributions were behind him, and there was little expectation of a resurgence as he approaches his 34th birthday. The team’s shift to centering Glasgow in 2025, following the retirement of Frank Ragnow, proved unsuccessful. This move, combined with the team’s decision to keep both guard positions filled and the acquisition of Juice Scruggs, made Glasgow a less critical asset. Financial considerations also played a role in the release. Glasgow was set to carry a cap hit of $8.4 million in 2026, a figure the Lions deemed unsustainable given their need to operate within a more cost-efficient framework. By cutting him, the team will save $5.5 million in salary cap space while incurring a dead-cap charge of $2.8 million. This financial adjustment allows the Lions to reallocate resources to other areas of the roster. Glasgow’s departure leaves him seeking new opportunities in 2026. While he has not ruled out a return to the league, his age and the limited appeal of his skills suggest a potential retirement may be in the cards.#nfl #detroit_lions #graham_glasgow #frank_ragnow #juice_scruggs
Graham Glasgow's fate with the Lions was sealed by the David Montgomery trade The Houston Texans' acquisition of David Montgomery has had a ripple effect on Detroit's offensive line plans, with Graham Glasgow's future in the team's long-term strategy now in doubt. While the trade primarily focused on acquiring a high-impact running back, the inclusion of offensive lineman Juice Scruggs as part of the deal has shifted the Lions' approach to addressing their center position and building depth. Scruggs, a traditional center who moved to guard for the Texans in 2025, is viewed as a depth option for the Lions. His inclusion in the trade suggests the team is prioritizing availability and competition over immediate starting roles. Scruggs played all 17 games for Houston in 2025 at guard and started 13 games in 2024, making him a reliable backup option. However, his performance on PFF last season was among the lowest for guards, which raises questions about his value. The Lions, already struggling with injuries and inconsistency at center, see Scruggs as a potential placeholder while they evaluate Tate Ratledge, who emerged as a strong contender for the starting role in 2026. Glasgow, who has been a recurring issue for the Lions, is now the most likely candidate for release. His performance has been subpar, and the team is eager to free up cap space ahead of the 2026 season. Cutting Glasgow before June 1 would save the Lions $5.5 million, while waiting until after the deadline would result in a $7 million savings. This financial relief is crucial as the team aims to balance their roster and address other needs. The trade also benefits the Lions in terms of draft assets. They now own two fourth-round picks, which could be used to bolster depth on the offensive line.#houston_texans #tate_ratledge #graham_glasgow #david_montgomery #juice_scruggs
