Just over a week after announcing his return, Detroit Lions LT Taylor Decker announced on Instagram that the team had granted his release. The star offensive tackle had been considering retirement, but now will get a fresh start with a new team.
The longest-tenured Lion had “discussions” with the Lions’ front office about his future with the team, but those conversations resulted in Decker requesting his release.
“In the weeks since notifying the team of my return there have been numerous discussions,” Decker wrote on Instagram. “Many of which were a surprise to me, and we could not find common ground. Therefore I decided to request my release.”
The stunning move suddenly leaves a large hole in the Lions’ offensive line in front of QB Jared Goff and RB Jahmyr Gibbs. However, by releasing Decker, the Lions will save $11.6 million before free agency begins.
The Lions will surely look to find Decker’s replacement either in free agency or in April’s NFL Draft. They could also consider moving All-Pro RT Penei Sewell over to the left side. Sewell played left tackle for three seasons in college with the Oregon Ducks before being drafted in the first round by Detroit in 2021.
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Decker, 32, has been a staple on the offensive line for Detroit since the team drafted him 16th overall in 2016 out of Ohio State. He started 140 games in his 10 seasons with the team, but has dealt with several injuries that made him consider retiring this offseason.
The Lions are also trying to replace C Frank Ragnow along the offensive line after his retirement last year.
After dealing away RB David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, the Lions were prepared to go all-in on Gibbs leading the rushing attack, but the release of Decker complicates that matter for 2026.
