The Detroit Lions will be without their Pro Bowl center for the 2025 season following Frank Ragnow’s abrupt retirement. While Detroit drafted interior lineman Tate Ratledge in the second round, he was previously expected to compete for a starting job at left guard and provide depth along the inside of the offensive line.
Fortunately, the Los Angeles Rams have ample depth at center and are frequent trade partners with the Lions. Could Les Snead and Brad Holmes connect on another move that ends up as a win-win for both teams?
After re-uniting with veteran Coleman Shelton in free agency, there’s no short-term vision for either Beaux Limmer or Dylan McMahon. Both are developing young players that could provide insurance behind or competition with Ratledge. Such a trade isn’t likely to net Los Angeles significant draft capital; however, the Lions find themselves in a pinch and the Rams, without a deal, could end up cutting at least one quality player out of Limmer, McMahon, and UDFA Willie Lampkin.
Let’s take a look at each player that could be an option for the Lions:
Beaux Limmer
It’s rare to see a sixth round rookie earn a starting role in the NFL, and it’s especially rare within a Sean McVay-led offense. Watching Limmer beat out prized free agent acquisition Jonah Jackson was impressive, but there were questions whether Limmer was good in NFL terms or just good for a sixth-round rookie.
Still, it’s fair to expect Limmer to continue on an upward trajectory. Players often make the biggest leap from their rookie to sophomore seasons, and the growth pattern tends to be prolonged for offensive linemen.
If the Rams don’t have a short-term path to playing time for Limmer, it might make sense to give him a fresh start elsewhere and help a team with a more immediate need.
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images
Dylan McMahon
Similar to Limmer, McMahon was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly cut McMahon ahead of the regular season and placed him on the practice squad.
But the rookie only lasted on the practice squad for a matter of weeks before the Rams opportunistically pilfered him to their 53-man roster. McMahon started at center in relief of Limmer during the Week 18 regular season finale versus the Seattle Seahawks. He didn’t fare well in that game; however, he was matched up against the likes of Byron Murphy.
If there is no short-term plan for Limmer, there almost certainly isn’t one for McMahon. It’s worth noting that Eagles fans were upset to see their team lose McMahon to the Rams at the time of his signing.
Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images