Former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker continues to be without a team this spring. But the potential of Decker finding a home with a former rival coach seems to be growing.
On Monday, ESPN’s Matt Bowen picked the best fits for 14 remaining free agents. The former Lions left tackle made the list, where Bowen argued for the Miami Dolphins to sign Decker.
“Decker had an 89.3% pass block win rate in 2025 with Detroit, the second-lowest rate of his 10-year career. If he can prove to be healthy, however, he has the toughness and intangibles to win a starting role with most NFL teams,” wrote Bowen.
“In Miami, Decker would compete for the left tackle spot with third-year pro Patrick Paul. The Dolphins drafted former Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor last month, but he is expected to slot in at left guard in 2026.”
Bowen isn’t the first to argue the Dolphins are an ideal landing spot for Decker. On May 4, Pro Football Sports Network’s Jacob Infante predicted Miami to sign the 2024 Pro Bowler.
“Taylor Decker’s grading by PFSN’s OL Impact Scoring has been in average starter territory each of the last two seasons, which makes sense why the Lions cut him to free cap space with his hefty contract,” wrote Infante. “He would still be an upgrade at left tackle over a handful of teams across the NFL.”
This offseason, the Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as their next head coach. Hafley served as Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator the past two seasons.
Dolphins a Potential Landing Spot for
Much to the chagrin of Detroit fans, pundits regularly linked Decker to the Chicago Bears early in the offseason. With former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in Chicago, that makes a lot of sense on paper.
The Dolphins have now become a regular link for Decker in free agency too.
Pundits expect tackles Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson to start for Miami this fall. The Dolphins could upgrade left tackle with Decker and move Paul back into a swing tackle role.
Miami lost some of its tackle depth this offseason, ironically, to the Lions. Detroit signed Larry Borom in NFL free agency.
The Dolphins signed Charlie Heck and Jamaree Salyer for offensive line depth. But obviously, neither is a superior option to Decker.
In addition to starting at left tackle, the Dolphins could add Decker to mentor first-round rookie Kadyn Proctor. Decker could start next to Proctor, who is projected to play left guard.
How Lions Are Replacing Decker
Directly, All-Pro Penei Sewell will replace Decker. The Lions are flipping Sewell from right to left tackle this offseason.
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Lions selected Blake Miller at No. 17 overall. Miller could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle. If not, though, Borom will likely start until the rookie is ready.
While officially listed as general offensive linemen, Giovanni Manu, Devin Cochran and Mason Miller are seemingly the other offensive tackles on Detroit’s offseason roster.
Decker started 140 games for the Lions over 10 seasons. All of them came at left tackle. The team selected him at No. 16 overall in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Taylor Decker Possibly Joining Ex-Packers Coach Gaining Steam