The Detroit Lions have made significant moves during the offseason to bolster their roster as they aim for continued success in the competitive NFC North. While the team’s focus may center on key skill positions such as quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, the offensive line is often where championships are won. As any savvy football analyst will tell you, the strength of an offensive line directly correlates with a team’s success in both the passing game and the running game. For the Lions, securing depth along the offensive line is just as crucial as adding star players to skill positions. With this in mind, the Lions are making a notable decision to bring back a key depth piece: Kayode Awosika.
Awosika, a veteran offensive lineman with 36 games of NFL experience, is returning to the Lions for the 2025 season. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset for Detroit as they continue to build one of the most formidable offensive lines in the league. While Awosika may not always be in the spotlight, his role as a depth piece is one that is often underestimated in terms of overall impact. The ability to field a reliable backup who can step into a starting role if needed is critical to maintaining the integrity of a team’s offensive line throughout the long and grueling NFL season.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the value Kayode Awosika brings to the Detroit Lions, the importance of offensive line depth, and how Awosika’s return can help the team as they aim to compete for the NFC North title and make a deep playoff push in 2025.
The Significance of Offensive Line Depth
In the NFL, the starting offensive line is critical for both the passing game and the running game. However, the importance of having solid depth along the offensive line cannot be overstated. The wear and tear of a full NFL season can take a toll on any player, and injuries along the offensive line are a common occurrence. Whether it’s a season-ending injury or a short-term absence, having reliable backups who can step into the starting lineup without skipping a beat is essential for maintaining the quality of play.
The Detroit Lions have been fortunate in recent seasons to field one of the stronger offensive lines in the NFL. With standout players such as Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker, the Lions have been able to protect quarterback Jared Goff and create running lanes for their talented backfield. However, even the best offensive lines are susceptible to injuries, and a lack of depth can quickly derail an offense if a starter is lost for an extended period.
Enter Kayode Awosika. As a player with substantial NFL experience, Awosika provides the Lions with the type of depth that can make the difference between a championship-contending team and one that struggles to find stability. Awosika’s ability to step in and play multiple positions along the offensive line ensures that Detroit can maintain a strong level of play, even if injuries arise or if certain matchups require different line configurations. His return to the team provides the Lions with a level of comfort and flexibility, knowing that they have a reliable veteran who can step in at any given time.
Awosika’s Background: A Solid NFL Career So Far
Kayode Awosika entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 after a college career at the University of Buffalo, where he earned a reputation as a strong, versatile offensive lineman. Though he was not selected in the draft, Awosika’s physical attributes and work ethic quickly earned him a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster. Over the next few years, he demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in the professional game, appearing in 36 total games, primarily in a backup role.
Awosika’s ability to play both guard and tackle has been one of his most valuable traits. This versatility is essential in a backup offensive lineman, as it allows a team to plug in a player at multiple spots depending on the needs of the offensive line. Whether it’s stepping in for an injured player or shifting positions to provide the best line configuration, Awosika’s adaptability makes him an invaluable asset.
His contributions in the trenches, while not always highlighted in box scores, were crucial to the Eagles’ ability to maintain a solid offensive line rotation during his time with the team. While Awosika may not have been a fixture in the starting lineup, his consistent performance as a reserve has earned him respect within the league. Now, with the Detroit Lions, Awosika will look to continue this trend of providing solid depth and ensuring the Lions’ offensive line remains strong throughout the season.
Awosika’s Role with the Lions: Versatility and Reliability
The Detroit Lions have already established a strong starting five along their offensive line, led by Frank Ragnow at center, Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell at tackle, and Jonah Jackson at guard. However, the addition of Kayode Awosika is about ensuring that the depth behind these starters is just as capable. The Lions’ offensive line coach, Hank Fraley, has done a fantastic job in recent years of developing players who are capable of filling in and thriving when needed. With Awosika’s return, the Lions continue to solidify their depth, ensuring that they have a quality player ready to step into the starting lineup when required.
Awosika’s primary role will continue to be as a versatile depth piece, but that does not mean his contributions are any less valuable. He is capable of filling in at either guard position or tackle if an injury occurs to a starter. His ability to come in and play at a high level in both positions gives the Lions flexibility when making in-game adjustments or when dealing with injuries that could sideline a starter for a few games.
In addition to his versatility, Awosika is known for his football IQ and his ability to read defenses. He’s not just a physical presence but also a cerebral player who understands blocking schemes and can execute plays as designed. This intelligence is critical in ensuring that there is no drop-off in performance when he is on the field. In short, Awosika can be trusted to step in and keep the offensive line functioning at a high level, regardless of the situation.
Awosika’s role on special teams could also be a consideration for the Lions. Offensive linemen are sometimes utilized on special teams for blocking purposes, and Awosika’s athleticism may allow him to contribute in this capacity as well, giving the Lions even more reason to value his presence on the roster.
The Detroit Lions Offensive Line: A Critical Piece of Success
The Lions’ offensive line has been one of the bright spots for the team in recent years. In 2024, Detroit ranked as one of the league’s top offensive lines in terms of both pass protection and run blocking. The performance of the line has been instrumental in quarterback Jared Goff’s success and the development of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as key pieces in the backfield. The line has allowed the Lions to be more balanced on offense, giving them the ability to run the ball effectively while also protecting Goff long enough to allow him to make plays downfield.
For a team like the Lions that has a legitimate chance to compete in the NFC North in 2025, maintaining a strong offensive line is essential. The team has invested heavily in the line, drafting players like Penei Sewell and Jonah Jackson and signing veterans like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow to long-term deals. However, even the most elite offensive lines are susceptible to injuries, and having reliable depth is key to keeping the unit strong throughout the season.
This is where Kayode Awosika’s return becomes vital. By bringing him back, the Lions ensure that they have a reliable backup ready to step in if needed, and his familiarity with the system and the team’s goals will make the transition much smoother if the need arises. His ability to seamlessly integrate into different positions along the line provides the Lions with added flexibility and depth, allowing them to adjust quickly to any injuries or changes in the game plan.