The Detroit Lions have just one regular-season contest left on their schedule, but for veteran offensive tackle Taylor Decker, the implications could extend far beyond Week 18.
Decker, who has held down the Lions’ left tackle position for a decade, was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2024. That same season, Detroit rewarded him with a three-year, $60 million contract extension that runs through the 2027 campaign.
Despite that commitment, Decker recently addressed speculation about his future.
According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Decker said he has not yet decided whether retirement is on the table and emphasized that he did not want to make any personal announcements while emotions were running high. Instead, his attention remains on Detroit’s upcoming matchup with the Chicago Bears.
For now, Decker said he is approaching things as he normally would and preparing as if nothing has changed.
Recent History Shows Early Retirement Is Possible
At 32 years old, Decker would be considered relatively young to walk away from the NFL, especially with significant guaranteed money still on his contract. However, the Lions have seen a similar situation unfold recently.
Former Detroit center Frank Ragnow shocked many by retiring earlier this year after just seven seasons in the league. Ragnow earned Pro Bowl recognition four times and was coming off three straight elite seasons from 2022 through 2024. He officially stepped away from football at just 29 years old.
Ragnow briefly explored a return late in the season as Detroit fought for playoff positioning, but medical evaluations revealed a serious hamstring injury.
As a result, the team halted his comeback attempt before he ever returned to the field. The Lions later confirmed that a failed physical showed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that would have sidelined him for the rest of the season, effectively closing the door on his return.
Offensive Line Regression in 2025
Detroit’s offensive line was one of the league’s strongest units in 2023 and 2024, playing a key role in consecutive NFC North titles, a trip to the NFC Championship Game, and a No. 1 seed in the playoffs. That dominance has not carried over into the current season.
As Week 18 approaches, Pro Football Focus ranks the Lions’ offensive line 21st out of 32 teams. Decker’s absence in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings highlighted the issue. Backup tackle Dan Skipper allowed multiple pressures, including a sack, while reserve center Kingsley Eguakun also struggled, earning a low pass-blocking grade after surrendering several pressures.
The loss of Ragnow has clearly affected the unit, as has the offseason departure of longtime right guard Kevin Zeitler to the Tennessee Titans. Injuries to other linemen, including Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany, have further weakened the group throughout the 2025 season.
What’s at Stake for Detroit
If Decker ultimately decides to step away after Detroit’s season finale against Chicago on January 4, the Lions could face major changes up front. Such a decision would force the organization to rethink its offensive line plans as it looks ahead to protecting quarterback Jared Goff and creating running lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs in 2026.
For now, Decker insists his focus is strictly on football — but his comments have left the door open for significant offseason questions in Detroit.
