A key offseason question for the Lions was answered on Tuesday with left tackle Taylor Decker announcing on Instagram his plans to return for an 11th season in Detroit. Decker’s post-season comments indicated he was considering retirement after a 2025 season that saw him miss three games due to a lingering shoulder injury. Even when active, Decker’s injury caused him to miss practice and he did not play to his usual high standard.
Since being selected 16th overall in the 2016 draft, Decker has started 140 games for the Lions and been a consistent force at left tackle. When healthy, Decker is an excellent tackle and gives the Lions one of the best parings in the league across from Penei Sewell. However, five surgeries over his career, plus other minor injuries, leave questions about his ability to stay healthy in 2026. With Decker set to return for his 11th season, the Lions have options to consider this offseason to ensure LT is not a question mark entering the 2026 season.
Dan Campbell acknowledged Tuesday that adding a tackle is necessary, saying “we still got to find a guy, because as much as I love Deck, it’s, he’s got some things that are going to need some management and that’s kind of where we’re at. And so one way or another, we’re going to need somebody that can play over there and that can help us if need him in a crunch or we need him as a starter. So that’s important.”
Lions Offseason Options
The Lions cannot afford not to have a starting-caliber option in case Decker is unable to stay on the field in 2026. 2024 fourth-round pick Gio Manu has not developed enough to become a starter. There are no other internal options, which means Brad Holmes will have to pursue an addition in free agency or the draft. The Lions pick 17th and 50th in the first two rounds of the upcoming draft. A rookie tackle would have the luxury of not having to start right away, giving time to develop and grow in the system. Players such as Utah’s Caleb Lomu, Alabama’s Kaydn Proctor, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, and Clemson’s Blake Miller are all projected picks in the latter half of the first round.
However, it is fair to ask whether or not it’s best to use premium draft capital on a player who ideally will not start in 2026. In a season where the Lions need to return to the playoffs, drafting immediate impact players is imperative. With holes on the interior of the offensive line, edge rusher, linebacker, safety, and corner, the front office must use limited draft capital wisely. Given how important offensive tackle play is, drafting Decker’s replacement now might be the correct decision.
A short-term free agent signing is another avenue to consider. The big ticket names like Rasheed Walker and Braden Smith are not options as they will want long-term deals as starters. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing coached Jonah Williams in Arizona for the last two seasons. Injuries are a major concern here as Williams missed more games than he played during his time in Arizona. But, a free agent LT will ideally not start with a healthy Taylor Decker. That makes bringing in a player with injury concerns not as big of a problem.
Other free agent names to consider include Fred Johnson, Elijah Wilkerson, Cam Robinson, and Braxton Jones. All options within the Lions price range come with concerns, whether its injury history, lack of proven starting time, or age. But, that’s how it is when shopping for non-premium options in free agency.
Regardless of what path Brad Holmes pursues, the Lions will add a new left tackle this offseason. Taylor Decker’s return does not change that, but it might alter the amount of resources dedicated. Whether it’s an early draft pick or free agent signing, the Lions need a tackle capable of starting in 2026.
