The Detroit Lions’ offensive line could undergo another major shakeup this offseason, as longtime left tackle Taylor Decker may be nearing the end of his tenure in Detroit.
After losing key contributors heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Lions now face a difficult financial and roster decision involving Decker, a 10-year veteran and former Pro Bowler. Whether through retirement or release, signs are pointing toward the Lions moving on from their $21 million starter in the coming weeks.
Taylor Decker’s Performance Drop Raises Red Flags
Decker, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024, saw a noticeable decline in performance during the 2025 season. According to ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz, that downturn — combined with Decker’s age and injury history — makes him a prime candidate to be released if he does not retire.
“The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire,” Schatz predicted. “He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries.”
Advanced metrics paint a concerning picture. Through Week 17 of the 2025 season:
Decker ranked 43rd out of 70 tackles in pass block win rate
He ranked 61st in run block win rate
That level of production is difficult to justify under Decker’s current contract, which includes a three-year, $60 million extension running through 2027.
Contract Details Make Decker a Cap Casualty Candidate
Decker is set to carry a $21.35 million cap hit in 2026 and a $24.1 million hit in 2027, numbers that loom large for a Lions team already facing cap constraints.
Detroit is currently projected to be roughly $5 million over the salary cap in 2026, making Decker’s deal one of the most logical pressure points on the roster.
Lions Could Unlock $18 Million in Cap Space by Moving On
If the Lions designate Decker as a post–June 1 cut, they would realize significant financial relief:
$18.2 million in cap savings in both 2026 and 2027
Dead cap charges of just $3.148 million per year from 2026–2028
That move alone would eliminate Detroit’s projected cap deficit and create roughly $13 million in additional spending power for 2026.
Where Detroit Could Reinvest the Savings
Freeing up Decker’s salary would allow the Lions to:
Begin rebuilding the offensive line with younger, cheaper talent
Invest in the pass rush, complementing star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson
One immediate beneficiary could be edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, who enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with 11 sacks — nearly doubling his previous career high.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Contract Decision Looms
Muhammad, who will be 31 next season, is coming off the best year of his career after never recording more than six sacks in a single season previously.
According to Spotrac, Muhammad’s projected market value sits at:
Two years, $16.5 million
Roughly $8.2 million per year
By moving on from Decker, the Lions could:
Fully cover Muhammad’s projected contract in 2026
Still retain around $5 million to address other roster needs, likely along the offensive line
Taylor Decker Has Not Ruled Out Retirement
There is also a chance Detroit won’t have to make the decision themselves. Decker acknowledged the possibility of retirement late in the season but stopped short of committing to a timeline.
“Taylor Decker says he hasn’t made a decision on retirement and didn’t want to bring any attention to himself by speaking on his timeline during an emotional state,” ESPN’s Eric Woodyard reported on December 31.
If Week 18 proved to be Decker’s final NFL appearance, he exited on a positive note.
Decker’s Potential Final Game Ends on a High Note
The Lions closed the 2025 season with a 19–16 road win over the Chicago Bears, completing a season sweep of the NFC North champions and finishing 9–8.
Whether through retirement or release, Decker’s departure would mark the end of an era for Detroit — and signal the beginning of a major offensive line transition for a franchise looking to rebound in 2026.
