The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear mission: bolster their offensive line to protect franchise quarterback Jared Goff and establish a dominant running game. In the fifth round, they selected Tate Ratledge, a massive, mauling guard out of Georgia, with the expectation that he would compete for a starting role or at least provide valuable depth. However, Ratledge’s decision to hold out during training camp over contract disputes could prove to be a costly mistake—one he may come to regret for years to come.
Rookie holdouts are nothing new in the NFL, but they rarely end well for the player—especially mid-to-late-round picks. The league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has largely eliminated the lengthy, contentious holdouts of the past by implementing a strict rookie wage scale. Unlike first-round picks, who have some leverage due to their higher draft status and guaranteed money, players like Ratledge—selected on Day 3—have very little room to negotiate. The Lions, like most teams, operate under a “take it or leave it” mentality with late-round contracts. By refusing to sign, Ratledge isn’t just missing valuable practice time; he’s risking his entire career trajectory.
One of the biggest reasons Ratledge’s holdout is a misstep is the importance of early development for offensive linemen. The transition from college to the NFL is brutal, particularly in the trenches. Technically refined veterans and complex defensive schemes make preseason reps invaluable. While Ratledge was a standout at Georgia, the NFL is a different beast. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley has a proven track record of developing talent, but he can’t work miracles with a player who isn’t in the building. Every day Ratledge spends away from the team is a day his competition—players like Colby Sorsdal, Kayode Awosika, and undrafted free agents—are gaining chemistry with the starters, learning the playbook, and impressing the coaching staff. By the time Ratledge eventually signs (assuming he does), he could already be buried on the depth chart.
Another factor Ratledge may be underestimating is the Lions’ culture under head coach Dan Campbell. This is a team built on grit, toughness, and a “all-in” mentality. Campbell has repeatedly emphasized that he wants players who love football more than anything else—guys who will fight for every rep and embrace the grind. Holding out over what is likely a minimal difference in signing bonus or guaranteed money sends the wrong message. The Lions have shown they’re willing to move on from players who don’t buy into their philosophy (see: Jeff Okudah, D’Andre Swift). If Ratledge’s absence drags on, the front office may decide he’s not worth the headache and explore other options.
Financially, Ratledge’s holdout makes little sense. As a fifth-round pick, his contract is slotted to be around four years, $4.2 million, with a signing bonus of roughly $300,000. The difference between what he wants and what the Lions are offering is likely negligible in the grand scheme of an NFL salary cap. By holding out, Ratledge is forfeiting daily fines (which can add up quickly) and missing out on potential performance-based incentives. Even worse, if his holdout extends into the regular season, he could lose an accrued season toward free agency, delaying his chance at a bigger payday. Given how short the average NFL career is—especially for late-round linemen—every missed opportunity to prove himself on the field is a blow to his long-term earning potential.
Perhaps the most damning aspect of Ratledge’s holdout is the precedent it sets for his reputation around the league. NFL teams talk. If Ratledge develops a label as a player who is difficult to work with or prioritizes money over football, it could hurt his chances of landing a second contract—whether with the Lions or elsewhere. Front offices are always wary of investing in players who may cause locker room friction. Given how much the Lions value culture fit, Ratledge’s absence could leave a lasting impression, making it harder for him to earn trust down the line.
History is not on Ratledge’s side, either. Recent examples of late-round holdouts have almost universally backfired. In 2019, 49ers sixth-round pick Kaden Smith held out briefly before signing, only to be cut a year later. More notably, Jets seventh-round pick Jeremy Clark’s holdout in 2017 led to him being waived before ever playing a regular-season snap. The reality is that unless a player is a bona fide superstar, teams have little patience for contractual standoffs. The Lions have plenty of other options along the offensive line, and if Ratledge doesn’t sign soon, they may simply decide to move on rather than cater to his demands.
Even if Ratledge eventually signs, the damage may already be done. Missing training camp puts him far behind in learning the offense, building chemistry with his linemates, and adjusting to NFL speed. Offensive line play is all about cohesion—knowing how the guy next to you moves, communicates, and reacts. If Ratledge isn’t there to develop that trust, the coaching staff may hesitate to put him on the field, even in a backup role. And if he doesn’t play, he doesn’t improve, which creates a vicious cycle that could stunt his growth as a player.
The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise, with legitimate playoff aspirations. For a rookie like Ratledge, this is the perfect environment to grow—surrounded by a strong offensive line unit, a respected coaching staff, and a locker room full of leaders. But by choosing to hold out, he’s jeopardizing his chance to be part of something special. The NFL is a brutal business, and opportunities are fleeting. If Tate Ratledge doesn’t realize soon that being on the field is more valuable than a few extra thousand dollars, he may look back on this decision as the moment his career derailed before it ever really began.
