Taylor Decker Injury Update: Lions GM Brad Holmes Provides Timeline
Lions Await Clarity on Taylor Decker’s Future
– The Detroit Lions are navigating a period of uncertainty surrounding the future of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, who is contemplating retirement after a 10-year NFL career. General Manager Brad Holmes addressed the situation at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, stating the team expects to have clarity on Decker’s decision within the next two weeks.
Decker, entering his age-33 season, has experienced increasing difficulty with durability in recent years, missing practice weeks and appearing in only 14 of 17 possible games in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His last full 17-game season was in 2022. The potential loss of Decker comes at a challenging time for the Lions, following the recent retirements of center Frank Ragnow and swing tackle Dan Skipper, and injuries to Giovanni Manu.
Holmes acknowledged the respect the team has for Decker and his right to take the time he needs to reflect on his career. “Obviously, Taylor, he’s earned the right to have as much space as he needs to reflect on a long season, and we respect him,” Holmes said. “But obviously, with the start of the new League year coming, you want as much clarity as possible. So, within these next couple of weeks, we’ll make sure that we have that clarity.”
The Lions are also mindful of the salary cap implications of Decker’s potential return. He is currently projected to count roughly $21 million against the 2026 cap. While a retirement would provide cap relief, some dead money would be incurred, the amount depending on the timing of his decision. A post-June 1 designation could potentially maximize savings.
Head coach Dan Campbell echoed Holmes’s sentiment, stating he has largely given Decker space to consider his options. “I’ve left him alone,” Campbell said. “We had a conversation, right when the season ended, about him taking his time to figure out what he really feels like he wants to do. And so I’ve left him alone there. I don’t want to say we haven’t had a conversation, but I’m leaving that between us.”
Campbell also indicated the Lions are preparing for the possibility of needing to replace Decker, even if he does return. “Look, if it’s not (possible Decker returns), then we‘ve got to find a guy. But even if (he returns), we’ve still got to find a guy,” Campbell explained. “As much as I love Deck, he’s got some things that are going to need some management, and that’s kind of where we’re at. So, one way or another, we’re going to need somebody who can play over there (left tackle). If we need them in a crunch, or if we need them as a starter.”
If Decker does retire, the Lions have several potential options to address the left tackle position. Moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left tackle is considered a logical solution, given his Hall of Fame-caliber talent and prior experience at the position. However, this would require finding a replacement at right tackle. The team could also explore signing a veteran free agent, but Sewell’s versatility provides Holmes with flexibility in navigating the situation.
The Lions are also considering second-year lineman Tate Ratledge as a potential option at center, though that move is separate from the Decker situation. The next few weeks will be critical as the Lions work to solidify their offensive line and prepare for the 2026 season.