The Detroit Lions are entering a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 9–8 campaign that ended without a playoff berth. With roster changes looming and several cornerstone veterans nearing the end of their careers, head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes may be facing a major transition — especially along the offensive line.

One name drawing increasing attention is longtime left tackle Taylor Decker, whose future with the franchise suddenly appears uncertain.

Detroit Lions Facing Major Offensive Line Turnover

The Lions’ offensive line, once considered one of the NFL’s strongest units, has already undergone significant change. Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency, while All-Pro center Frank Ragnow shocked fans by announcing his retirement. Now, Decker’s comments and on-field regression suggest Detroit could soon lose another foundational piece.

Decker is entering the final stage of a three-year, $60 million contract, a deal that placed him among the highest-paid tackles in the league. However, after the 2025 season, the 10-year veteran sounded like a player contemplating life after football — raising the possibility that he has already played his final snap for Detroit.

Taylor Decker’s Performance Shows Signs of Decline

After years of steady excellence under Campbell, Decker showed noticeable slippage in 2025. According to advanced metrics, he ranked 40th out of 85 qualified offensive tackles, a dip from his usual upper-tier standing.

With 140 career starts and a decade of NFL wear and tear, age may finally be catching up to the former first-round pick. While still serviceable, Decker no longer looks like the dominant blindside protector Detroit relied on during its recent rise.

Why Decker’s Potential Exit Matters for Jared Goff and the Lions

Decker’s importance to the Lions extends beyond the stat sheet. Alongside Penei Sewell, he formed one of the NFL’s most reliable tackle duos, a critical factor in protecting quarterback Jared Goff, who thrives behind a clean pocket but lacks mobility.

Losing Decker would place even more pressure on Detroit to find a long-term solution at left tackle — a difficult task in an offseason where the team must also prioritize extensions for younger stars while operating with limited cap flexibility.

More Roster Changes Could Be Coming

Decker may not be the only veteran nearing the end of his run in Detroit. Running back David Montgomery’s role diminished late in the season as Jahmyr Gibbs took on a larger workload, potentially signaling the end of the popular “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield tandem.

With multiple veteran contributors possibly exiting at once, Campbell and Holmes face the challenge of sustaining competitiveness while ushering in a new era.

Taylor Decker’s Lions Legacy

While Decker may never reach the Hall of Fame, his impact on the franchise is undeniable. Ten seasons, unwavering leadership, and consistent performance when healthy make him one of the most dependable linemen in Lions history.

As one of the few pre-Dan Campbell players who remained through Detroit’s resurgence, Decker’s tenure will be remembered fondly — regardless of whether his playing days in Honolulu blue are officially over.