The offensive line was a major area of focus for Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell entering the offseason. They wasted no time making moves by trading running back David Montgomery for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and draft compensation.
While that decision made more sense after the team released veteran offensive lineman Graham Glasgow hours later, Scruggs did not exactly impress during his three seasons with the Houston Texans by allowing nine sacks, 34 hurries, and committing 13 penalties. Now, the Lions' O-line concerns are mounting higher after NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Friday that left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit's longest-tenured player, "announced he requested and received his release after contract talks broke down."
The Lions always needed to upgrade their OL when the offseason started, but with both Decker and Glasgow departing, even more resources and effort will be needed for them to find some suitable replacements going into next season.
Taylor Decker's Release Adds Urgency to Lions' Offensive Line Needs
The Lions need to add some depth on their offensive line with key players like Decker and Glasgow moving on. After showing plenty of upside during his rookie season, Tate Ratledge is someone the Lions could potentially turn to at center, in addition to Scruggs.
If that is the case, the guard position will need to be figured out. Christian Mahogany is already listed on Detroit's depth chart at left guard, so it would make sense to keep him there. Then, it comes down to whether the Lions are interested in making some moves in free agency to bring in some more depth.
Former Super Bowl champion OL Mekhi Becton has proven to be a solid run blocker and could be one of the cheaper options on the market if Detroit is willing to potentially find someone at right guard. The tackle position, meanwhile, is still a work in progress with Giovanni Manu.
Jedrick Wills, the former Cleveland Browns first-round pick, has flashed some signs despite poor injury luck and could be a worthy option to pair on the opposite side of the line to Penei Sewell. At the same time, it might be tougher to roll the dice on an experiment like Wills when Decker is no longer around.
Either way you look at it, there is a lot of work to be done to ensure quarterback Jared Goff has better protection in 2026. The 38 sacks allowed were not only a new career-worst for Goff, but were also the most times that Goff had been taken down behind the line of scrimmage since he came to Detroit before the 2021 season.
Bottom line, he and this offense can only do so much if the protection is lacking and there is not much time to operate in the pocket.
There are certainly some doubts surrounding Detroit's offensive line and what it must do to address its current situation and depth issues. Decker and Glasgow will not be easy to replace, which will only put more pressure on the organization to find the right pieces and get this team where it needs to be to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.