Lions Recoup Bonus from Retired Ragnow

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The Detroit Lions are pulling back part of the signing bonus they gave to former all-pro

center Frank Ragnar after he retired with two years left on.

His deal.

Team President Roy Wood confirmed it, saying its standard practice since the days of

very Sanders.

Ragnar had $3 million in pro-rated bonus money left from his 2021 extension, which included

a $6 million upfront payment.

Wood explained that players get paid in advance for services not yet rendered, so when they

walk away early, the team gets some back under the league, rules.

This isn't new for Detroit.

They collected $7 million from Sanders after arbitration and $1.6 million from Calvin

Johnson back in the day.

Former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone called it out on social media, highlighting how

Ragnar battled through a fractured throat, fresh meniscus, surgery, and an unfixable toe

just to play.

Jason Kelsey, the ex-eagle star turned ESPN guy, jumped in too, arguing, signing bonuses

protect players from the brutal wear and tear of the game.

Ragnar's body took a beating with broken bones, torn pecks, knee issues, and back problems,

and he even tried coming back late last season when the Lions struggle but failed his physical.

Critics say his retirement wasn't quitting, it was his body finally saying no.

These moves have sour ties with Lions legends before, so folks are watching if this strains

things with Ragnar or Spook's future contract talks.

Across the league