Taylor Decker won’t return to the Detroit Lions after all.
After recently stating his plan not to retire in 2026, it was assumed the 10-year pro would continue as Jared Goff's blindside protector. That assumption was short-lived.
Decker announced on Friday that he has requested his release after the sides couldn’t come to a contract agreement.
“Things change, 145 games started, 3 playoff appearances, 2 division titles, a decade carrying the shield,” he wrote in a social media statement. “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.
“It has been the absolute privilege of my life to be your LT for the past 10 years. And I am forever grateful for the opportunity the Ford family and Lions organization afforded me.”
A first-round pick in 2016, Decker was an immediate starter on the left side and started 140 games during his 10 seasons in Detroit. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
Battling injuries that relegated him to 14 games in 2025, Decker struggled at times last season, allowing 33 pressures. At 32, he entered the offseason with questions about whether he’d want to continue playing given the stress his body has taken over the course of his career.
Set to make $18.2 million in 2026, including a $1.5 million roster bonus if he was on the roster March 15, Decker was a cut or restructure candidate in Detroit. Clearly, the veteran didn’t agree with the figure the Lions were looking to keep him under, igniting his release request.
It’s a surprising turn after it appeared the Lions would get at least one more year out of their left tackle. Now, days away from free agency, that becomes a glaring hole on the roster. Giovanni Manu, a 2024 fourth-rounder, hasn’t developed as hoped, struggling in spot duty. Backup swing tackle Dan Skipper retired this offseason.
In 2024, the Lions boasted one of the best offensive lines in the entire league. Since then, it’s fallen apart. Star center Frank Ragnow retired before last season. Kevin Zeitler left in free agency in 2025. The team recently released Graham Glasgow. Now Decker is out.
Detroit already had a significant need on the interior offensive line entering the offseason. Now it has a tackle problem, too. Star Penei Sewell could potentially flip to the left tackle spot, but that would still leave a hole on the right side.