Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker is facing one of the most difficult decisions of his NFL career this offseason. After playing through the 2025 season with a lingering shoulder injury that never fully responded to surgery, the veteran offensive lineman is weighing whether his body can withstand another year of rehab — or if retirement is the best option.

Decker is expected to take time before making a final call, but his decision could have a massive impact on the Lions’ salary cap outlook heading into the 2026 offseason.

How Much Money Is Taylor Decker Owed in 2026?

Taylor Decker is currently scheduled to earn $14.9 million in salary during the 2026 season. If he chooses to retire, that entire salary would come off Detroit’s books.

However, the Lions would still carry $9 million in dead cap due to the remaining prorated portion of his signing bonus.

There is also a $1.5 million roster bonus due on March 15. If Decker retires before that date, Detroit would avoid paying that bonus altogether.

How Much Salary Cap Space Would the Lions Gain if Decker Retires?

When all financial factors are accounted for, the Detroit Lions would gain $11,604,000 in salary cap space if Taylor Decker retires prior to the 2026 season.

According to Over the Cap, Detroit is currently $16,695,969 over the salary cap, meaning Decker’s retirement alone could significantly improve the team’s financial flexibility.

Why Taylor Decker’s Decision Matters for the Lions’ Offseason

While the Lions would prefer to have their longtime blindside protector healthy and anchoring the offensive line for another Super Bowl push, Decker’s potential retirement could open the door for:

Major roster upgrades

Contract extensions for core players

Free-agent signings

Long-term offensive line restructuring

Ultimately, Taylor Decker’s health evaluation and final decision may become one of the most important dominoes of the Detroit Lions’ entire 2026 offseason.