The Detroit Lions' offseason started with a bang, but for all the wrong reasons. Starting left tackle Taylor Decker requested and was granted his release, citing that a breakdown in contract negotiations led to his Motor City exit.
Given his trajectory in the league and the prime position he plays in, it looked like Decker wouldn't be a free agent for long. However, the days continue to pass, and there has been little to no buzz around him, leaving it up in the air as to when his free agency bid will end.
That's why, even after the Lions took a $9.5 million dead-cap hit to release Decker, perhaps both parties would be better off just burying the hatchet, finding some common ground, and getting back together for next season.
Lions, Taylor Decker Need One Another
With not many options for grabs, the Lions signed veteran Larry Borom to a one-year, $5 million deal. However, trusting him to be Jared Goff's blindside protector might come with some concerns, and he'd be better off as the team's swing tackle, working wherever head coach Dan Campbell needs him.
As for Decker, there aren't many teams currently in the market for a left tackle. The Green Bay Packers seem ready to move on with Jordan Morgan, the Cleveland Browns will probably take someone at No. 6, and every other potential suitor seems pretty much settled at the position. It doesn't seem like he'll get any meaningful opportunities unless it's as a depth piece or training camp invitee.
According to Spotrac, Decker is listed at a projected market value of two years at $42.65 million — an annual average value of $21.3 million. That doesn't seem realistic at this point, especially after ex-Packer Rasheed Walker received a one-year contract worth up to $10 million with the Carolina Panthers.
Having only one healthy season since 2021 could factor into teams' hesitance to pay him.
A Discount Will Make a Reunion Worth It
Nevertheless, the Lions might welcome Decker back with open arms if he's willing to take a veteran's minimum deal, as that's probably the best deal he'll get anywhere at this stage of the offseason. That would allow him to remain in a comfortable environment that could help him secure a better payday next offseason.
Even at his age, Decker was an above-average blindside protector last season. Pro Football Focus gave him a 67.9 grade, which ranked 41st among 89 eligible offensive tackles, and he only gave up two sacks in 551 pass-blocking snaps.
The Lions' offense needs to return to its dominant, explosive ways, and tearing the offensive line apart won't do much to help. They clearly had second thoughts about giving a 31-year-old a big-money contract, and rightfully so, but it's not like they have any other option at this point.
It might be awkward, but at the end of the day, a reunion looks like the only win-win situation for all parties, leaving time to tell if it'll be the Lions or Decker who makes the first move.