The Chicago Bears are a week away from free agency, but as teams start to cut players to create salary cap space, there's already some fascinating options on the market. The Detroit Lions got a head start on Monday, releasing offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.
Glasgow’s release was an expected one for Detroit, as it saves $5.5 million against the salary cap per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. But also should appeal to the Bears.
While weakening a division rival is always a plus, Chicago could benefit more by signing Glasgow and using him as an upgrade over current backup lineman Ryan Bates.
Bears Can Add Lions Castoff Graham Glasgow to Replace Ryan Bates in Free Agency
Glasgow hasn’t been tremendous during his 10 year NFL career, but he’s been reliable when called upon. He began his career with four seasons in Detroit from 2016 to 2019 before signing with the Denver Broncos in free agency in 2020 and returned to the Lions in 2023, racking up 147 total games and 136 career starts in the process.
In a perfect world, Glasgow would likely be seeking an opportunity to start but his 2025 performance may have killed that dream. According to Pro Football Focus, Glasgow posted his lowest overall grade (56.8) since his rookie season (53.7) and battled a knee injury. He could also consider retirement ahead of his 34th birthday this summer, but also could thrive in a backup role in Chicago.
Glasgow already has experience playing for head coach Ben Johnson as he was the starting left guard and temporary backup center during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He also has a better track record than Bates, who has been a disappointment in that role since signing a four-year, $17 million contract as a restricted free agent before the start of the 2022 season.
With Bates set to enter free agency, the Bears could use a replacement and Glasgow could fit the bill, especially with PFSN’s Jacob Infante noting his 31 career starts under Johnson in Detroit. If he’s willing to be a reserve, he could be a solution to an under-the-radar need for the Bears this season and could help Chicago continue to strengthen their offensive line going into next year.