As the Detroit Lions gear up for another NFL season, a notable contract saga is unfolding around their All-Pro center, Frank Ragnow. The 29-year-old linchpin of Detroit's offensive line has been absent from the team's voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), sparking speculation and concern among fans and analysts alike. However, this absence is rooted in contract negotiations rather than any discord or protest, with Ragnow seeking a deal that better reflects his value and provides the security he deserves.
Ragnow's current contract situation is somewhat precarious. Despite being one of the highest-paid centers in the league, his 2025 cash flow is a modest $9.25 million, with the 2026 salary set at $11.75 million—both years lacking guaranteed money. This has led to understandable concerns for a player who has consistently demonstrated elite performance and durability, often playing through injuries that would sideline many others. Cap analyst Joshua Queipo highlighted this disparity, noting, "His cash flow for 2025 is only $9.25 million. That's pretty light for how good he is. He's probably worth around $14.5 to 15 million. So $9.25 million this year and $11.75 million next year with no guaranteed money is a pretty stark discount." This financial gap underscores why Ragnow is pursuing a new contract that offers more immediate compensation and guarantees.
Interestingly, the Lions have room to maneuver within their salary cap to accommodate Ragnow's demands without jeopardizing their roster's stability. Queipo suggested a practical solution: accelerating $3.25 million from Ragnow's 2026 salary to 2025, effectively increasing his 2025 cash earnings to $12.5 million while reducing his 2026 salary to $9.5 million. This move would elevate Ragnow to the second-highest paid center in the league for 2025 in terms of cash, aligning with precedents set by stars like Travis Kelce and Derrick Henry, who received raises in the $2-4 million range. The total cost to Detroit for this adjustment would be approximately $4.65 million in cash and cap space for the current year, a manageable figure given the team's financial flexibility.
Looking beyond the immediate future, any formal contract extension for Ragnow would commence in the 2027 season, as his current deal runs through 2026. The Lions anticipate having around $76 million in salary cap space that year, but must also plan for significant extensions for other key players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell. Balancing these financial commitments will require strategic foresight.
Ragnow's injury history adds another layer of complexity. While he missed a substantial portion of the 2021 season due to a toe injury, his toughness is legendary. In 2023, he played through injuries to his calf, knee, ankle, and back, and last season he suffered a partially torn pec, missing only one game. This resilience has earned him four Pro Bowl selections and three Second-Team AP All-Pro honors, including in the last two seasons. However, the cumulative toll of these injuries understandably influences contract negotiations, as the Lions weigh long-term health risks against his on-field value.
In Ragnow's absence during OTAs, second-round draft pick Tate Ratledge has been stepping up, working with the first-team at center. The Arkansas product's emergence provides the Lions with a promising alternative, should they choose a more conservative contract approach with Ragnow. One potential extension under consideration is a three-year deal worth $48 million, averaging $16 million annually. This would position Ragnow just behind Creed Humphrey and Cam Jurgens among the league's highest-paid centers. Structurally, the Lions could front-load guarantees in the first two years and include an option bonus without guaranteed money in the third year, giving them flexibility to move on after the 2028 season if necessary, just before Ragnow's age-33 season.
Despite fan concerns, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell remains unruffled by the situation. At a late May press conference, he addressed the absence of Ragnow and linebacker Alex Anzalone from OTAs, stating, "We only have two guys that aren’t here right now. I know who they are, I know where they are at, I’ve talked to them, and we’re all good." He further reassured, "I’m not worried about anything. I know this, we’re in late May. Is it even June yet? I don’t even - we’re not even in June. So, life’s good. We’re going to be just fine." This calm stance reflects confidence in the organization's communication and negotiation processes.
Fans' reactions to Ragnow's contract situation have been mixed, with some surprisingly labeling him as "expendable" or accusing him of being "anti-Lions culture." Such views starkly contrast with Ragnow's long-standing reputation as the embodiment of the Lions' grit and determination. Known for playing through pain and consistently delivering top-tier performances, Ragnow has been a cornerstone of Detroit's offensive line for years. His desire for a new contract is less about greed and more about seeking the security that his current deal lacks—security that many players in the league routinely negotiate for as they approach their 30s.
Given the Lions' salary cap landscape and the necessity to manage contracts for several burgeoning stars, the resolution of Ragnow's contract talks will be a delicate balancing act. However, the team's demonstrated cap savvy, led by general manager Brad Holmes, suggests they are well-equipped to navigate these waters. Holmes has a track record of structuring contracts with low early cap hits and void years to spread out financial burdens, a strategy likely to be employed in Ragnow's case.
Ultimately, Ragnow's contract negotiations underscore a broader theme in the NFL: the challenge of managing elite talent's compensation amid a complex salary cap environment and a roster filled with emerging young stars demanding extensions. For the Lions, retaining Ragnow is not just about honoring a contract; it's about securing the heart of their offensive line and maintaining continuity that could propel the team to greater success.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on Detroit to see how this pivotal contract situation unfolds. With open lines of communication between players and management and a pragmatic approach to cap management, the Lions appear poised to retain their All-Pro center while balancing the financial needs of a talented roster. Fans can take solace in knowing that the organization values Ragnow's contributions and is working diligently to keep him in Honolulu blue for years to come.
