Lions Sign OL Tate Ratledge to Rookie Contract
The Detroit Lions have officially signed second-round pick Tate Ratledge to his rookie contract.
Ratledge’s four-year deal is valued at approximately $7,652,736, according to Spotrac. He was the first of two offensive linemen drafted by the Lions in 2025, with Miles Frazier being the other selection.
This year’s second-round picks have sparked some interesting developments. For instance, Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins both received fully guaranteed contracts, an uncommon arrangement for players at their draft level.
In recent days, more second-rounders have inked deals, including San Francisco’s signing of defensive lineman Alfred Collins, as well as the Bars’ signings of Shemar Turner and Ozzy Trapillo.
With Ratledge’s signing, the Lions have now locked up every player from their 2025 draft class.
The Georgia product posted a solid 74.4 overall offensive grade and a 74.7 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
During his first NFL offseason, Ratledge has been tested for positional versatility. At rookie minicamp, he took snaps at center as part of the team’s cross-training process.
Lions offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley mentioned that while Ratledge will remain an interior lineman, his exact starting position is still up in the air.
“He’s an interior player, that’s where I see him playing,” Fraley said. “Center isn’t the most natural fit for him yet, so we’ll give him more reps there to get him comfortable. But I see him helping us inside.”
Fraley also noted that Ratledge will need to keep improving at center but praised his performance during minicamp.
“He’ll do whatever I ask him to do. I joke around, asking if he wants to play tackle for us,” Fraley said. “He still needs more time and training, but I thought he handled rookie minicamp well, especially in that role.”
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