Not long after the Detroit Lions wrapped up the 2025 NFL season, longtime left tackle Taylor Decker was candid about the uncertainty surrounding his future. When asked whether he planned to continue playing, Decker acknowledged that retirement was very much on the table.
But even if Decker ultimately decides he wants to return for another season, there’s growing belief that Detroit may make the decision for him.
ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz recently projected that the Lions would release Decker should he choose not to retire, pointing to his age, health concerns, and declining on-field performance as key factors.
“The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire,” Schatz wrote. “He turns 33 next season and has dealt with recurring shoulder problems. His efficiency also slipped in 2025, ranking 45th among 69 tackles in pass-block win rate and 61st in run-block win rate.”
Decker appeared in 14 of Detroit’s 17 games this past season. He signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension in 2024, but maintaining his health required an intense offseason routine. Based on his comments, repeating that process just to extend his career doesn’t seem especially appealing to him.
Decker Openly Weighs Retirement After Emotional Season Ending
After Detroit’s final game of the season against Chicago, Decker became emotional while speaking to reporters, admitting that he may have already played his last NFL snap.
“I just need to step away,” Decker said. “It’s been extremely hard mentally, playing through constant pain and knowing you still have to go out there. I’m exhausted. I’m not sleeping well. I’m just not in a great headspace right now. But I still play because I love the game and I care about my teammates.”
He added that the decision is especially difficult because he believes he still has the ability to perform at a high level.
“That’s what makes it so hard,” Decker said. “I know I can still play.”
Family considerations also weigh heavily in his decision-making process. Decker emphasized that his long-term health and ability to be present for his children are just as important as football.
“This isn’t just about me,” he explained. “It’s about my kids and being the father I want to be. I could make the selfish choice and keep playing until my body completely breaks down, but that’s not what matters most.”
Offensive Line Changes Loom Large for Detroit
The Lions are already facing major questions up front following the retirement of center Frank Ragnow. If Decker either walks away or is released, general manager Brad Holmes will have yet another critical roster hole to address this offseason.
Holmes acknowledged those challenges during his end-of-season press conference, noting that Detroit intentionally leaned into youth along the offensive line, understanding there would be growing pains.
“We knew there would be some bumps,” Holmes said. “We brought in young players because it was necessary, and patience is part of that process. Those guys were going to see things they hadn’t experienced before, but we expect them to improve.”
Still, Holmes made it clear that strengthening the offensive line remains a priority.
“Whether it’s inside or at tackle, adding to that group is something we have to approach with urgency,” he said.
As the offseason unfolds, the Lions may be forced to turn the page on another cornerstone of their offensive line while accelerating efforts to rebuild up front.
