The Detroit Lions are addressing offensive line depth as the NFL free agency period unfolds, despite it not being the top priority on their offseason agenda. The team’s offensive line struggled significantly in the previous season, allowing 38 sacks, marking a career-high for quarterback Jared Goff and the most times he was tackled behind the line since joining Detroit in 2021. With this vulnerability exposed, Detroit recognizes the need to improve support for its offensive front.
To bolster their lineup, the Lions acquired versatile interior lineman Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans as part of the David Montgomery trade, adding valuable depth. However, at the tackle position, Giovanni Manu remains an unproven option, with head coach Dan Campbell and the team’s fan base observing that Manu is not yet ready for consistent, reliable play. This creates a clear opening for reinforcements at tackle.
Jedrick Wills Emerges as a Potential Key Addition for Detroit
In a promising development, Cleveland Browns’ former first-round pick Jedrick Wills has begun a series of visits with NFL teams, including the Lions, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 26-year-old offensive tackle has faced injury issues recently, having appeared in only 13 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with a knee injury placing him on injured reserve in November 2023. Despite this setback, Wills retained a reputation as a solid building block on Cleveland’s offensive line prior to his injuries.
Originally transitioning from right tackle in college to left tackle in the professional ranks, Wills showed stronger skills in pass protection than in run blocking during his first three NFL seasons. Pro Football Focus recorded his pass-blocking grades as 77.6, 67.9, and 69.6, while his run-blocking scores were noticeably lower at 52.8, 61.7, and 55.3. Additionally, Wills accumulated 25 penalties throughout those years, highlighting an area that challenged his overall effectiveness.
Opportunity for Rebuilding and Future Stability at Tackle
Detroit’s coaching staff and supporters witnessed the challenges of relying on Giovanni Manu during last season, reinforcing the need for a more dependable backup or starter at tackle. Should Wills demonstrate fitness, the Lions could invest in a “prove-it” contract, anticipating his low cost given his recent missed season and his prior first-round status. This approach mirrors the Philadelphia Eagles’ gamble on Mekhi Becton in 2024, which yielded meaningful returns for both player and team.
With Taylor Decker’s return confirmed, Detroit currently has a stable starting left tackle, eliminating immediate pressure to find replacements until the 2026 offseason. However, looking ahead to 2027, the Lions face uncertainty about Decker’s future and would benefit from cultivating internal options—whether through a signing like Wills or a draft acquisition—to ensure continuity at the position. Ideally, Wills could line up opposite promising talent Penei Sewell, creating a strong tackle duo for years ahead.
While these scenarios remain speculative as Wills explores multiple team visits, Detroit’s evaluation of the tackle position will continue through free agency and the draft, reflecting their strategic openness to rebuilding a more resilient offensive line.
Additional Developments Surrounding Detroit’s Offensive Line
The Lions’ efforts to reinforce their offensive front illustrate ongoing tension and the urgency felt within the organization to prevent previous sack rates and protection issues from recurring. As free agency moves forward, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Detroit balances risk and potential in retooling its offensive line, with Wills’ visit marking a hopeful step amid a crowded field of candidates.
Sources: Former #Browns OT Jedrick Wills, who sat out last season to fully recover from a knee injury, has been on a tour of visits with NFL teams — including the #Patriots and today with the #Lions. Visits are expected to continue into next week.
A former top-10 pick, Wills —… pic.twitter.com/6vQiDaLXni
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026
