When it came to the offseason, fans clamored for the Detroit Lions to fix the foundation of the team, the offensive line. After releasing center Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker, the team signed center Cade Mays and offensive tackle Larry Borom. While these new signings aren’t a direct one-to-one replacement, they’re helpful pieces that the team can use to rebuild its offensive line.
Unlike Mays, Borom isn’t looked at as a guy who jumps off the screen for you. He’s a player who could help the team
in many ways and, at worst, is depth on a team that could use it, considering how many injuries they’ve suffered the past few years. Let’s get into Borom’s fit, role, and value for the Lions and put a grade to it.
Larry Borom’s fit for the team
Heading into the start of the “legal tampering” period of NFL free agency on Monday, the Lions had some holes on the offensive line. They needed a starting tackle and center, and while Mays fits the hole for the center position, I don’t believe Borom is a presumed starter for 2026. While he started for the Miami Dolphins in 11 games last year, playing in 16 games total, he appears to be more of a competition move for third-year offensive tackle Giovanni Manu.
What stands out to me about Borom is his versatility. While he primarily plays right tackle, he has experience at every position other than center. When he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Borom spent four years playing at both tackle spots and some guard in 2022.
With a total of 62 snaps at guard compared to over 2,400 at tackle, he’ll almost certainly be considered a tackle in Detroit. This front office loves versatility, though. Look at one of their picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miles Frazier, a guy who can play all five positions. Borom fits a need for this team, and while I don’t believe it’s at the starting level, it’s good depth for the team to have.
Grade: B
Borom’s role/talent level
Now here is where things take a bit of a turn. According to PFF, Borom was ranked the 79th best offensive tackle in 2025 with a 60.7 offensive grade. His strength? Pass blocking, ranking 64th out of the offensive tackles with a 67.1 grade. His weakness? Run blocking, ranking 103rd with a 54.4 grade.
There appears to be some talent there, and this is why I don’t think he is a direct replacement for Decker at left tackle, or right tackle if the team moves Penei Sewell over. I believe Borom is competing with Manu for the OT3 job. At 6-foot-5 325 pounds, Borom is a big body that could be used as a swing tackle in heavy sets and an extra blocker on passing downs, too.
He could overtake Manu as OT3, as the team appeared to have Jamarco Jones ahead of him in the preseason before Jones suffered a season-ending injury. If the team doesn’t think Jones can return at full strength in 2026 and want an upgrade, Borom is your guy. If Borom can beat out Manu for the backup tackle role, Manu’s future in Detroit could be bleak.
Role/talent grade: C+
Are the Lions getting good value in Borom?
It’s tough to say right now, as there are no details about his contract with Detroit. All that is known is that Borom has agreed to terms with the Lions. He is coming off a one-year, $2.5 million with the Dolphins. If the price is similar to what he got in Miami, then I would think it’s a good value for what he’s at.
For now, I have to give this grade an incomplete until more details come out.
Value grade: INC
Overall
This wasn’t a big move that fans have been wanting, as there are plenty of needs this team has to figure out. Getting a backup offensive tackle as one of your first two moves in free agency isn’t going to win you offseason headlines, and it won’t make plenty of folks happy. But I think bringing in a veteran tackle who can move to guard in case of emergency is a good move in the right direction for this team. The team doesn’t have Dan Skipper anymore as the swing tackle, and they could use all the depth they can.
I still wonder if they bring in a better offensive tackle to compete with a rookie for the starting tackle job, or if they are locked in on drafting a rookie at pick 17 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Borom is simply a depth move who gives the team help and options in the end. It’s an upgrade over Skipper and Manu, but don’t expect Borom to be listed as a starter come September.
Overall grade: C+
