Left tackle Taylor Decker’s tenure with the Detroit Lions is coming to an end.
The 2024 Pro Bowler announced on social media that he has requested to be released this offseason.
“I am opting for a clean and amicable close to what has been such a beautiful 10 years going to war as a Lion,” wrote Decker.
The left tackle’s announcement was a three-paragraph message. Decker posted it on Instagram. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy, along with other NFL insiders, tweeted a screenshot of the Instagram post on X.
“It has been the absolute privilege of my life to be your LT for the past 10 years,” concluded Decker in his social media message. “And I am forever grateful for the opportunity the Ford family and Lions organization afford me.”
The Lions drafted Taylor Decker at No. 16 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Over 10 seasons with the organization, Decker started all 140 of his games.
During Detroit’s 15-2 campaign in 2024, Decker received the only Pro Bowl nomination of his career.
Taylor Decker Announces He’s Leaving Lions
The Lions left tackle announced his own news of sorts Friday.
“Things change, 145 games started, 3 playoff appearances, 2 division titles, a decade carrying the field,” Decker wrote to start his message. “I fully intended to do it again, but my time as a Lion is coming to an end.
“In the weeks since notifying the team of my return, there have been numerous discussions. Many of which were a surprise to me, and we could not find common ground.
“Therefore, I decided to request my release.”
The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett wrote on X on Friday the Lions wanted Decker to take a pay cut. Unwilling to, the left tackle asked for his release instead.
With Decker’s release, Birkett reported the Lions will save about $15 million in cap space. The left tackle was set to have a $21 million cap hit in 2026.
The Lions will accept $6.396 million in dead cap money with Decker’s cut.
How Will Lions Replace Decker at Left Tackle?
The team’s offensive front was a major reason why the Lions earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024. But the unit needs revamped this offseason.
Decker will be the second significant departure along the Detroit offensive line this offseason. In addition to Decker, starting guard/center Graham Glasgow will not be back.
Birkett added on social media Friday that had Decker decided to retire this offseason, an NFL agent told him he thought the Lions could explore moving Penei Sewell to left tackle.
Once a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft, Sewell is one of the best tackles in the NFL. But he’s started at right tackle in Detroit with Decker at left tackle.
Moving Sewell to left tackle could accomplish several things for Detroit. First, it moves the Lions best offensive lineman to the most premium lineman position.
Secondly, it would make things easier and cheaper for the Lions to find another tackle in free agency. NFL teams have to overspend to sign left tackles, and elite options never become available.
Or, the Lions could try to develop a right tackle through the draft. Again, that would be easier than drafting and developing a prospect at left tackle.
With Decker’s departure, the Lions hosting veteran offensive tackle Jedrick Wills for a visit makes even more sense. Wills didn’t play in the league last year, as he tried to fully recover from knee issues.
But a former top 10 pick himself, Wills could be an intriguing reclamation project at tackle for an NFL team this fall.
Taylor Decker Provides Clear Update on Immediate Future With Lions