The split between the Detroit Lions and longtime left tackle Taylor Decker was already complicated.

Now, a strange new detail has surfaced that may partially explain the communication breakdown between Decker and the team’s leadership.

Did Taylor Decker Have the Wrong Number for Brad Holmes?

During a recent podcast appearance, Lions beat writer Justin Rogers revealed a surprising theory circulating inside the organization.

According to Rogers, there’s a possibility that Decker may not have had the correct contact information for Lions general manager Brad Holmes.

“Interesting thing that was hypothesized to me by multiple members of the organization this week is that Decker might not have had the right number for Brad Holmes,” Rogers said, via Lions OnSI. “I will say that is possible because the number I had for Brad Holmes no longer works, so it adds an interesting layer.”

If true, it would be an unusual twist in an already awkward situation.

At the very least, it could explain why early attempts at communication between Decker and the Lions may have gone unanswered.

Silence From the Lions Still Raises Questions

Even with that explanation, the extended silence between Decker and the organization remains difficult to overlook.

Rogers noted that while the wrong-number theory might explain the early breakdown, it doesn’t fully account for the lack of communication over a longer period.

“I think after a month, if you still haven’t heard from your GM, it still falls at least a little bit on Holmes in terms of communication,” Rogers explained.

That’s where the situation becomes more uncomfortable for the Lions.

After all, Decker spent a decade anchoring the offensive line in Detroit and was one of the franchise’s most respected veterans.

Hank Fraley Relationship May Have Been More Important

Interestingly, the communication Decker cared most about may not have been from the front office.

According to Rogers, Decker may have been more affected by the lack of early contact from Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley.

The two shared a close relationship.

In fact, Decker previously advocated for Fraley when the Lions assembled their current coaching staff.

Because of that bond, the silence may have felt more personal to the veteran tackle.

At one point, there was even speculation inside the organization that Decker wondered if Fraley had been instructed not to reach out.

That situation has since improved, as Fraley and Decker have now connected and helped clear the air.

Relationship Between Taylor Decker and Lions Not Completely Broken

Despite the awkward circumstances surrounding the split, the relationship between Decker and the Lions isn’t completely damaged.

Rogers noted that Decker still values his time with the franchise and remains open to maintaining ties with the organization.

That could even include returning in the future to sign a ceremonial one-day contract and retire as a member of the Detroit Lions.

Bigger Picture for the Detroit Lions

What began as a routine roster decision has evolved into something more complicated.

Between a possible wrong phone number, missed communication, and emotional ties built over a decade, the situation highlights how quickly the human side of the NFL can become messy.

For a well-run organization like the Detroit Lions, the Taylor Decker situation serves as a reminder that sometimes the smallest details can end up telling the biggest story.