The Detroit Lions signed veteran offensive tackle Larry Borom following former starting left tackle Taylor Decker's tumultuous exit from the Motor City. The signing did raise questions, though, as Borom has only started in 60.3% of his 63 career appearances, leaving some Lions fans to wonder if the front office had plans to add another potential LT1 candidate.
As head coach Dan Campbell revealed in an interview during this week's NFL League Meetings, the Lions view Borom as a legitimate starting option.
"We like Larry a lot, you know, and he was another guy we identified that was able to man, he can play swing tackle. I thought he did a nice job at Miami last year. He started for them at right tackle and really held his own, and it was the best season he's had, you know, overall, but he's continued to get better. So, he really gives us flexibility. If we didn't believe that he was a guy who could start, then we wouldn't do it. "Dan Campbell, Lions HC
Larry Borom's Arrival Benefits Lions in Multiple Ways
As Campbell said, Borom's signing gives them flexibility across the offensive line.
After all, there's been some discussion about moving Penei Sewell potentially over and becoming the starting blindside tackle. Sewell has been an All-Pro for the past three years and a Pro Bowler for the last four. In 2025, Sewell had the highest-ranked Pro Football Focus grade of any tackle, also leading all offensive linemen with a 96.8 run block grade. That kind of protection would be greatly appreciated at the OL's most crucial position.
Borom becoming an instant starter would also help the Lions financially. With only $23.6 million in available cap space, according to OverTheCap, having a starter who only carries a $5 million cap hit would make it so general manager Brad Holmes doesn't need to spend money or draft capital on another potential tackle option.
The last thing the Lions need is to throw a rookie who isn't ready to start yet into the deep end, and Borom's steady presence helps avoid that.
There's Always a Plan B
Even if Borom isn't up for the task, it seems like the Lions already have a contingency plan in the works.
"We also know, all right, if that's not quite it, (Larry) is a swing tackle and can play jumbo tight end," Campbell added. "He gives us so much flexibility as a baseline. He gives us a floor, and we like him, and we feel like he fits us too."
Already having a backup plan for Borom illustrates how highly Campbell & Co. think about him. It also goes to show that he wasn't added to fill a void, but rather to potentially be used in multiple roles that the Lions can see him thrive in.
If Detroit can get a starter out of Borom, even at right tackle, Holmes will have hit on the kind of bargain signing a cash-strapped team is forced to nail to stay relevant. Even if they do add another starting-quality tackle, there's clearly a plan to get him reps at either position, meaning he won't be cast out into limbo.
Overall, Borom's signing is aging better by the day, positioning him to hit the ground running with the Lions this fall.