A lot of the Lionsโ OL struggles this season stemmed from a shaky line group, including the retirement of Frank Ragnow and a new center along with two rookie guards at the start. Manu himself missed most of the season after an Week 5 injury and was never activated on game day after that. Heโd previously been a healthy scratch in his rookie year. ๐งฑ๐ช๐ฅ
General manager Brad Holmes cautions that Manu has โtaken stepsโ but isnโt yet a slam-dunk add for a major role; heโll have to earn playing time and beat out others. The team plans to surround him with resources, but itโs up to Manu to show he can contributeโespecially when OTAs and the offseason program begin. Holmes also indicated the Lions will address the offensive line, though he didnโt spell outๅ ทไฝ plans. ๐งฉ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐
Holmes also remains uncertain about Taylor Deckerโs future, noting that Decker will decide his own path and timeline. The Lions drafted Manu as a developmental player a couple of years ago, and Holmes warned against assuming Manu is the immediate future at tackle or guard. The decision on Decker adds another layer of urgency to how the line is rebuilt this offseason. ๐งญ๐ค๐๏ธ
Overall, the Lionsโ offseason focus centers on the offensive line: Manuโs development, Deckerโs status, and potential new additions. The moves signal a clear intent to shore up the line after a disappointing season, with the 2026 roster shaped by who can seize opportunities in the offseason program and beyond. ๐๏ธ๐ช๐
