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NFL NFL Free Agency Taylor Decker had recently pondered retirement, decided to return for 2026 but apparently will move on from the Lions. Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker announced last month that he would be returning to play in 2026, but apparently, it won’t be for the Lions. “My time as a Lion is coming to an end, ” Decker announced in an Instagram post after contract negotiations with the team broke down. “Therefore, I decided to request my release. ” Advertisement The news is a big blow to the Lions, who are working to reconfigure their offensive line. Decker, 32, is the longest-tenured player on the roster and a reliable left tackle. Decker had recently pondered retirement after dealing with a lingering shoulder injury that he didn’t fully recover from following surgery last offseason. He missed three games and was often absent during Wednesday practices during the 2025 season, as he worked to manage the pain. After the season finale against the Bears, Decker said he’d need time away from football to think about his future, and the Lions said they would give him time and space to reach a conclusion. “I’ve left him alone, ” coach Dan Campbell said of Decker at the NFL combine. “We had a conversation right when the season ended about him taking his time to figure out what he really feels like he wants to do (and) can do. “As much as I love Deck, he’s got some things that are going to need some management. That’s kind of where we’re at. One way or another, we’re going to need somebody that can play over there and that can help us if we need them in a crunch or we need them as a starter. ” At the time, that could have been characterized as the Lions looking for insurance in the event Decker returned and had to miss time. But those words read a bit differently now. Decker ultimately announced his decision to return for another season Feb. 24, hours after Campbell and Lions general manager Brad Holmes spoke to reporters at the combine. It’s unclear what transpired in the time since. Decker was scheduled to carry a cap hit of roughly $21 million in 2026, as he played out a three-year, $60 million extension signed in 2024. Perhaps the Lions discussed a pay cut and talks fizzled. Regardless, his time as a Lion appears to be over after 10 seasons. Advertisement Even with Decker’s return, the Lions were still going to need tackle depth. Most assumed that would come in the draft, with some solid options in the first round. However, the position is a bit more dire now. A starting-caliber tackle in free agency could be a priority — even if it’s a stopgap. Their projected starter right now would be third-year tackle Giovanni Manu — a 2024 fourth-round developmental tackle out of British Columbia. The Lions need more. This move will surely test the culture the Lions have built. Decker was a true leader for this team. Perhaps the Lions believe their young core players are ready to carry the torch, but parting ways with a respected veteran in this fashion is bound to have an impact. Decker immediately becomes the best left tackle on the market, and he is slotting in as a top-15 overall player in this free-agent class. Some teams might prefer youth and a more long-term solution. If so, they could look at Rasheed Walker, who just turned 26 in February. However, Decker is a better player than Walker at this stage as a run blocker and pass protector. Decker is more technically sound in both phases. In pass protection, Walker’s anchor lets him down at times against bull rushers. Decker plays with a strong base and firm hands, and his experience shows up in his anticipation and mirroring when shutting down rush lanes. Decker will not be a fit for every team. But for teams seeking a stopgap left tackle, Decker is an excellent option. — Daniel Popper, senior writer Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy