Lions Make a Cornerback Swap, Lose a Rookie to Injury, and Face a Big Hole at Center.
The Detroit Lions made a minor roster move at cornerback ahead of this week’s OTA sessions, bringing in a bit more experience to the secondary.
According to Monday’s NFL transaction wire, the team signed former Giants and Cardinals corner Divaad Wilson. To make room, they let go of undrafted rookie Gavin Holmes, who’s dealing with an injury.
Holmes joined the Lions after the 2025 draft, hoping to fight for a spot despite being a bit undersized (5’11”, 173 lbs). Unfortunately, an injury has put his NFL journey on pause for now. If he clears waivers, he’ll land on the team’s injured reserve list — unless they later reach a settlement and officially part ways.
Who’s Divaad Wilson?
Wilson went undrafted in 2023 but has already seen some real NFL action. He’s suited up for both the Cardinals and Giants, even starting a game as a rookie with Arizona — where he racked up four tackles in a full 61-snap outing. Most of his recent work has been on special teams, though he did get in 26 defensive snaps in the Giants’ 2024 finale, picking up his first career pass breakup and five tackles.
For the Lions, he’s a low-risk pickup who brings some actual NFL experience to the table. He’ll have to battle it out with the likes of Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin for a backup role, but if he can stand out on special teams, he might earn a spot on the final roster.
Bigger News: Frank Ragnow Calls It a Career
The Lions also got some major — and unexpected — news on Monday. Star center Frank Ragnow announced he’s retiring at just 29 years old, saying his body just can’t keep up with the game anymore.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ragnow explained that he’s been struggling physically and realized it’s time to focus on his health and his family’s future. He thanked the team and said he gave it everything he had — but he simply doesn’t have more to give.
With Ragnow stepping away, the Lions now need to figure out their starting center for 2025. One option is sliding veteran Graham Glasgow over from guard. Another is giving second-round rookie Tate Ratledge a shot — he’s been cross-training at center this offseason.
Either way, Detroit might dip into free agency to add depth to the O-line, especially if they end up shifting players around.
