Former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker could have limited options in free agency, an analyst warns.
Decker was cut loose by the Lions earlier this offseason, requesting a split so he could explore his options in the open market. But the 33-year-old has yet to find a new team, and NFL.com warned that he would be hard-pressed to find anything but a short-term deal.
NFL.com analyst Greg Rosenthal rated Decker as the 17th best player available in free agency, but warned that no team would give him anything beyond a one-year deal.
“Decker appeared diminished physically at times last year and couldn’t work out a new deal with the Lions when they presumably asked him to take a pay cut,” Rosenthal wrote. “There are warning signs, but he fits the profile as a solid one-year option at a thin position.”
Bleacher Report’s Krisopher Knox argued that the Lions should have found a way to keep the 2024 Pro Bowler.
“Decker will turn 33 in August and was more good than great this past season—Pro Football Focus ranked him 41st overall among tackles. Still, we’re talking about a left tackle who has started 140 games across 10 seasons,” wrote Knox.
“The Lions may try moving Penei Sewell over to left tackle, but that will create a void on the right side. One way or another, though, Detroit is now a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a gaping hole on one side of its offensive line.”
Ex-Lions Pro Bowl Lineman Taylor Decker Hit With Free Agency Warning