For the first time in a decade, the Lions’ left tackle position is set to be manned by someone other than Taylor Decker. The team is planning an internal replacement on the blindside. 
When speaking to reporters on Monday at the league meeting, head coach Dan Campbell said his plan is to move Penei Sewell from right to left tackle. The former seventh overall pick was of course drafted as a left tackle, but his five-year career has so far consisted almost entirely of working opposite Decker. That is set to change in 2026.
“I’ve talked to him,” Campbell said (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press) about Sewell making the switch. “We’re ready to do that if need be. I don’t want to say that right now I’m going to commit to that, but that’s – we’re ready to do that. And all he wants is a couple days to work his left-handed stance a little bit… He’ll be fine. He’ll bank some reps and be able to do it, but he gives us that flexibility.”
Decker intends to play next season, but his Lions release means he will only be able to do so with another team. Detroit’s offensive line in general has been seen as a unit in need of stronger play compared to 2025 if the team is to return to the postseason. There is plenty of time for more moves to be made up front, especially with the draft still to come. Nevertheless, moving Sewell to the blindside would fill the vacancy left by Decker’s release for years to come.
Sewell is among the core players who have inked big-ticket extensions with Detroit recently. The three-time All-Pro landed a four-year deal averaging $28MM per season in 2024. That figure stood out amongst right tackles, but it is in line with other pacts at the top of the LT market. Sewell, 25, is under contract through 2029.
Adding an offensive tackle would of course remain a high priority in the event Sewell were to change positions. The Lions are set to select 17th in next month’s draft, meaning many of the top blindside prospects will likely be unavailable by the time they are on the clock. Finding a replacement right tackle to fill in for Sewell may well be a preferable approach to leaving him in place and searching for a plug-and-play left tackle.
It’s never sexy but man adding a stud tackle at the draft just does so many things for your team.
Not even 26 yet, played left tackle in college, and has all the physical gifts. Makes extra sense entering a draft when several of the top tackle prospects played right tackle in college.
As a Jets’ fan, I’ve said this before including in the run-up to that draft. I badly wanted the Jets to take Sewell, keep Darnold, and use their second first rounder for a weapon. It was clear that JD was enamored by Zach Wilson but no matter who was at QB they needed protection and a weapon. They could have traded down a few spots and drafted Sewell or just taken him there.
I’m always more hung up on them taking Becton over Wirfs. Imagine a world where they could have had Wirfs and Chase. Of course, I don’t think Darnold was going to develop without going to Shanahan and KOC, so this is all a little pipe dreamy.
Becton over Wirfs made as little sense at the time as it does in hindsight. Such a frustrating selection.
Shocking it didn’t happen sooner. Could be the most natural athlete for left tackle since maybe Anthony Munoz???
Blake Miller