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The Detroit Lions quietly bolstered their offseason roster Tuesday by signing Seth McLaughlin, a center with high-level college experience at both Alabama and Ohio State. The move gives Detroit an early look at a player who once earned national recognition but has since navigated injury and a slow start to his pro career.
Why the Lions moved on Seth McLaughlin
The team inked McLaughlin to a reserve/future contract, which secures his rights for the offseason program. That deal lets Detroit work with him from day one of the new league year and assess whether he can help shore up a thin position group.
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- Adds depth at center after a turbulent season for the position.
- Gives coaches an in-house option to evaluate during OTAs and training camp.
- Low risk financially and roster-wise for the franchise.
From Alabama to Ohio State: college trajectory
McLaughlin’s path through college football included stops at two powerhouse programs. He arrived at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, where he emerged as one of the nation’s top centers.
Accolades and recognition
During his time with the Buckeyes, McLaughlin captured the Rimington Award, given to the best collegiate center in the country. That honor is a key part of his resume and explains why NFL teams have monitored him closely despite setbacks.
Injury, undrafted status and pro development
An Achilles tear altered the trajectory of McLaughlin’s professional hopes. The injury contributed to him slipping out of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent.
He spent the 2025 season on Cincinnati’s practice squad and did not appear in a regular-season game. Now, free to pursue a fresh opportunity, McLaughlin is joining a Lions organization that lost its longtime starter at center.
How this signing fits Detroit’s needs
With Frank Ragnow retired and the center spot unsettled, Detroit sought options with upside. McLaughlin’s college pedigree and award-winning background give him a chance to compete for snaps if he returns to full health.
- Potential upside if he regains pre-injury form.
- Competition for younger or unproven centers on the roster.
- Opportunity for the Lions to develop him under their coaching staff.
Medical progress and on-field consistency will be the keys to whether McLaughlin can convert promise into playing time.
Other NFL stories catching attention
- Steelers-Ravens game featured an unlikely hero off the sideline.
- Veteran safety Harrison Smith considered a surprising position change before retiring.
- New details emerge about Lamar Jackson’s involvement in a coaching decision.
- Falcons were edged out of postseason contention by a late Jets push.
- The Colts stunned with an unconventional fake punt call on an early down.
- Travis Kelce announced a major career update through his platform, New Heights.
