Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker will not return to the Detroit Lions after requesting his release when contract negotiations between the two sides failed to produce an agreement.
Earlier in the offseason, Decker indicated he planned to continue playing in 2026, which led many to believe the 10-year veteran would remain the blindside protector for quarterback Jared Goff. That outlook changed Friday when Decker announced on social media that he had asked the team to let him go.
“Things change, 145 games started, 3 playoff appearances, 2 division titles, a decade carrying the shield,” Decker wrote. “I fully intended to do it once 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.”
“I am opting for a clean and amicable close to what has been such a beautiful 10 years going to war as a Lion,” he added.
A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Decker immediately stepped into Detroit’s starting lineup and went on to start 140 games over a decade with the franchise. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and was a key part of a Lions offensive line that ranked among the league’s best during its peak years.
Decker, now 32, dealt with injuries during the 2025 season and appeared in 14 games, allowing 33 pressures. Questions about his long-term future had surfaced during the offseason, especially with the physical toll of a decade in the league.
He was scheduled to earn $18.2 million in 2026 and was due a $1.5 million roster bonus if he remained on the roster by March 15. Detroit reportedly explored restructuring his deal, but the sides were unable to reach terms, leading to Decker’s release request.
The development creates a major question along Detroit’s offensive line just days before free agency. The team had already undergone significant turnover up front in recent seasons, including the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, the 2025 free-agent departure of guard Kevin Zeitler, and the recent release of Graham Glasgow.
Detroit could consider shifting star tackle Penei Sewell to the left side, but doing so would open another hole on the right. With young tackle Giovanni Manu still developing and veteran swing tackle Dan Skipper having retired this offseason, the Lions now face a significant challenge rebuilding their once-dominant offensive line.
