Detroit Lions positional breakdowns: One veteran may be stealing a starting job

Detroit Lions positional breakdowns suggest one veteran spot on the offensive line may still be unsettled heading into the 2026 season. The article centers on how the Lions plan to reorganize their starting five, beginning with Penei Sewell’s move to left tackle and a new center, free-agent addition Cade Mays. It also flags an open competition at left guard that could reshape the unit before Week 1. While Sewell is presented as a near-lock at left tackle based on prior experience at left tackle with Oregon, the focus shifts to Christian Mahogany’s pass protection, where the article cites six sacks allowed and more than 20 pressures. Mays is described as the right financial move at center compared with Tyler Linderbaum’s reported “insane” contract, and Tate Ratledge is framed as a high-upside option at right guard after his 2025 second-round selection.