The Detroit Lions are without one of their leaders during offseason workouts.
Their center isn't at OTAs because his contract makes it very disadvantageous for him to be there.
That's Frank Ragnow, the 29-year old who is a four-time Pro Bowl selection at center.
Ragnow has spent his entire NFL career with the Lions, beginning in 2018.
He was chosen No. 20 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Arkansas.
And now, things are coming to a head for Ragnow. It's not just about a pay raise, either.
Ragnow has two years remaining on his contract, but none of it is guaranteed.
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If Ragnow were to show up at OTAs and get hurt, the Lions would owe him no money.
Sure, NFL players make a lot, and Ragnow has done well for himself. But it doesn't make sense for him to play on a totally non-guaranteed deal after such a strong career already in Detroit.
It really drives home how the NFL is different than the other major sports leagues. Guaranteed money isn't a given in the NFL, and Ragnow has already exhausted the guarantees on his contract.
Now, the Lions and their center have a standoff as we wait to see who might blink first.
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