Taylor Decker will continue his career in 2026. In spite of that, the Lions will still be in the market for reinforcements at the left tackle spot this offseason. 
“We’re still going to find a guy,” head coach Dan Campbell said about a situation in which Decker returned, shortly before that was confirmed to be taking place (h/t Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk). “Because 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.”
Decker was able to play in 14 games this past season, the same figure as 2024. A first-team gig will await him once more during his 11th Lions campaign, but it would come as no surprise if Detroit sought out contingency plans in the short term. As things stand, former fourth-rounder pick Giovanni Manu would be among the top options to fill in on the blindside if needed.
A small number of left tackles in their prime – such as Rasheed Walker – are on track for free agency in March. The three-year Packers starter will land a deal worth far more than what the Lions will be budgeting for at the left tackle spot, though, so veteran stopgaps will need to be pursued instead. The likes of Cam Robinson, D.J. Humphries and Joseph Noteboom will hit the market shortly, and they would represent experienced depth for Detroit.
Campbell also noted, to no surprise, that shoring up the interior of the offensive line will be a priority as well this spring. Avoiding the struggles endured up front last season would go a long way in helping Detroit return to the playoffs in 2026. Two years remain on Decker’s contract, but the possibility of retirement will loom once again throughout next season.
The Lions are among the teams with notable work to be done to achieve cap compliance. Detroit is currently $12.16MM over the cap, so a high-priced left tackle addition will be hard to make. Bringing in a rookie will also be feasible, as the team owns eight selections in April’s draft.
Why does it have to be a left tackle? Sewell used to play LT and could move easily.
I think when you have the best RT in the league, you don’t mess with it. Moving from Right to Left is very very hard to do, from what tackles say about the process. That’s why being a swing tackle is so valued in the league, but most just back up level players
Sewell played LT at Oregon so I wouldn’t think it’d be that hard of a move. I get what you’re saying though.
I figure that the draft is the most logical place to get this done. Decker is going to start over those FA options, and Walker is going to for sure going to get an expensive starter’s deal. The Lions could grab a lower cost veteran as a backup, sure, but this feels like the perfect time to pick a young player to try to develop behind Decker, who may miss games and give the backup some starting opportunities.
There are a few players who could become starters in the draft, but not too many done deal stars. Sitting behind Decker and receiving limited but meaningful exposure as a rookie could be an effective-and much lower cost-way to evaluate one for future starting duties. The issue here is that the Lions will also likely want another interior lineman as well, so they may be eyeing a vet in one of those roles and a rookie in the other, which very well could end up coming down simply to who’s available in determining which ends up being which.
They must not be too high on Manu…
Doesn’t read like it. Doesn’t mean that he’s done, as he hasn’t been in the league two years yet, but Manu’s one start against Cincy didn’t go well. Given that this feels like Decker’s last year, I think that Detroit probably is not taking chances at their second option behind him.
@Ak185. If I were the lions I would go after salyer. He plays good at LT, and meh at guard, but he would be a good backup. If the chargers dont bring him back.
The Lions should sign Thayer Munford.
Detroit has had very limited success drafting good tackles in the middle or late rounds. They got Grady Alderman (Detroit Mercy) with the 111th pick in 1960 but he spent nearly his entire career playing for the Vikings.
Detroit’s idea of adding another good LT is another oft injured LT.They’re good at adding players who can’t stay healthy.lol