As the NFL scouting combine begins in Indianapolis this week, attention is turning toward player movements ahead of the March 11 start of free agency, with the Detroit Lions among the teams expected to be active. One player likely to depart is offensive lineman Kayode Awosika, whose future in Detroit appears uncertain following a challenging 2025 season and salary considerations. Lions fans await decisions on who may join or leave the roster as roster adjustments gain momentum.
Kayode Awosika’s Struggles in 2025 Suggest He May Not Return to Detroit
Kayode Awosika joined the Lions during the 2022 season after being signed off the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad and has primarily been a backup along the offensive line. Although he has appeared in 49 games during his NFL career, he made a career-high four starts last season, filling in for the injured Christian Mahogany. Unfortunately, Awosika’s performance was subpar, especially in pass protection where he allowed 10 pressures and three sacks over 160 snaps and earned a 57.9 overall grade in 287 offensive snaps, based on Pro Football Focus data.
Awosika’s difficulties were not unexpected given his historical pass-blocking numbers. Over 555 career pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed 52 pressures and seven sacks, resulting in a high 9.3% pressure rate. Such figures make it difficult for him to secure a long-term roster spot, particularly as the Lions consider their offensive line plans moving forward.
Detroit’s Offensive Line Outlook and Competition for Backup Roles
Christian Mahogany remains under contract through 2027, solidifying his role on the line, but the Lions are also focused on developing younger talent. Detroit selected Miles Frazier in the fifth round of the 2025 draft; the former prospect with second-round potential missed much of his rookie year to a knee injury but now presents a lower-cost option with a salary cap hit of just $1.08 million. This financial flexibility may allow Detroit to allocate resources to other roster needs.
The Lions require depth at the guard position, and allowing Awosika to leave could open opportunities for either another late-round draft selection or a more reliable free agent signing. With new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing in place, the team might pursue more experienced players, such as former Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez, who carries a projected market value near $2 million. Additionally, Detroit could target prospects like Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge or Iowa’s Gennings Dunker in the draft, aiming to develop talent capable of stepping into larger roles.
Likelihood of Awosika’s Departure and Team Strategy Moving Forward
While Awosika’s exit is not guaranteed, his combination of recent performance struggles and a projected $2.8 million salary make it unlikely the Lions will invest in retaining him. The team appears poised to look for alternatives, whether through drafting fresh prospects or acquiring more effective veterans to improve the offensive line’s consistency. As free agency and the offseason progress, both Awosika and Detroit seem ready to explore new opportunities.
