The Detroit Lions entered the offseason expecting stability along their offensive line, a unit that helped power the franchise through one of its most successful stretches in recent years. Instead, the organization now faces a significant change as one of its longest-tenured players prepares to move on.
Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker announced Friday that he has requested his release from the Lions after 10 seasons with the team. The decision comes shortly after Decker had publicly stated his intention to return for the 2026 season, making the sudden shift notable as Detroit prepares for the start of free agency.
Decker revealed the development in an Instagram message, explaining that discussions with the team following his decision to return did not lead to an agreement.
“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.”
The message signals the likely end of a decade-long tenure in Detroit for the 32-year-old offensive tackle.
Decker was selected by the Lions with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and quickly became a fixture on the left side of the offensive line. Over the past decade, he started more than 140 games for the franchise and served as one of the anchors of Detroit’s offensive front.
During that span, the Lions reached three playoff appearances and captured two NFC North division titles, marking one of the most competitive eras for the team in recent years. Decker earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and remained a steady presence even as injuries accumulated late in his career
After the 2025 season, Decker acknowledged he had considered retirement because of the physical toll of the game. A shoulder injury caused him to miss three games last season, and he played through pain that made routine tasks difficult.
“Ideally, I would play,” Decker told the Free Press in December. “But I just need to sit and evaluate.”
Ultimately, he chose to continue his career and initially planned to return for an 11th NFL season. However, negotiations with the team in the weeks that followed reportedly centered on a possible contract restructure.
Decker was scheduled to earn approximately $18.2 million in 2026, including a $1.5 million roster bonus and additional incentives. His cap hit was expected to exceed $21 million. If the Lions grant his release, the team would clear roughly $11.6 million in cap space while absorbing $9.4 million in dead money.
The timing adds another layer of change for Detroit’s offensive line. The team recently released center Graham Glasgow and saw backup tackle Dan Skipper retire and join the coaching staff. Decker’s departure leaves All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell as the only remaining starter from the offensive line that helped Detroit secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs two seasons ago.
Detroit still has depth options at tackle in Gio Manu and Devin Cochran, but the situation could push the front office to explore additional solutions in free agency or the upcoming draft.
For Decker, the request marks the end of a chapter with the only franchise he has known.
“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 wrote.
As the league year approaches, both the Lions and their longtime left tackle now appear set to begin new chapters.
