Grading Lions Signing Graham Glasgow

Evaluating Detroit's decision to sign a veteran guard.

With uncertainty looming at the right guard position, the Detroit Lions brought in an old friend to help address the need.

Graham Glasgow, a third-round pick in 2016 by Detroit, is returning to Motown on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. He’ll be expected to compete for the starting right guard job.

The move helps to shore up the only area with questions on the Lions’ offensive line. Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell have been rock-solid at tackle, Frank Ragnow is among the best centers in the game and Jonah Jackson has showed promise at left guard.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Detroit’s presumed starting right guard in 2022, missed all of last season with a back injury. With a $9.4 million contract on the books heading into 2023, the Lions will have to make a decision on what to do with the rest of his deal.

Evan Brown jumped into the starting role upon Vaitai’s injury and performed well. Ultimately, he signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Glasgow helps to alleviate concerns at the position. He played both center and guard during his time in Detroit. There’s familiarity with him, as he was teammates with Decker and Ragnow during his first stint in Detroit.

The Michigan product is currently the oldest player on the Lions’ roster, and will bring a level of veteran leadership. He spent the last three seasons in Denver, where he started 33 of the 37 games he played.

He was released on March 10, as a cap casualty heading into the final year of a four-year, $44 million contract.

Though he was released, Glasgow is still a capable, starter-level player. He finished the season with a Pro Football Focus overall offensive grade of 59.3, with a pass-blocking mark of 62.7 and a run-blocking grade of 61.6.

His overall grade would’ve been the lowest among Detroit’s starting offensive line in 2022. Yet, he ranked higher than both Jackson and Brown in both run-and-pass-blocking categories.

During his second stint in Detroit, he’ll be blocking for D’Andre Swift and newly signed running back David Montgomery.

The veteran was known to have appreciated his time with the Lions during his first stint. He’ll be a solid addition to the team’s culture, and should contribute instantly. 

It’s a low-risk, one-year deal, so the Lions have little to lose from bringing in the 30-year-old.

The next step in the offseason is deciding whether to bring back Vaitai, which is likely impacted by the signing of Glasgow. Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could create around $9.5 million in cap space by designating him as a post-June 1 release.

The Lions added a solid, established player in Glasgow, who pairs well with the youth up front. It’s a small-scale move that could reap big benefits for Detroit’s run game.

Grade: B