The Detroit Lions lost a key contributor before free agency even began this offseason. Starting left tackle Taylor Decker requested and was granted his release from the Lions at the beginning of the month, making it clear in an Instagram post that he was seeking a fresh start.
"In the weeks since notifying the team of my return there have been numerous discussions. Many of which were a surprise to me, and we could not find a common ground. Therefore I decided to request my release."Taylor Decker, former Lions LT
Despite having eyes set on playing elsewhere in 2026, Decker's decision continues to look more questionable during the second week of NFL free agency. While several other offensive tackles have found homes, it seems like Decker may have overestimated his value on the market.
Taylor Decker’s Lions Release Request Is Backfiring
While Decker was contemplating retirement, there wasn't an indication that he wanted out of Detroit. Sometimes players believe the grass is greener elsewhere, but that isn't always the case. The lack of buzz surrounding the veteran blocker's availability is another example.
Decker will be 33 years old when the 2026 season kicks off, and he's dealt with some injuries that have forced him to miss eight games over the last three seasons. His shoulder gave him problems throughout the 2025 campaign, and usually, when players get older, they don't get healthier.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Eluemunor and Braden Smith received the highest deals of free-agent tackles. Yet neither player exceeded $13 million average annual value on their contracts. That's without mentioning that both players are younger than Decker.
On top of that, former Green Bay Packers LT Rasheed Walker's contract with the Carolina Panthers is only for $4 million across one season (h/t @MySportsUpdate). Even though more money can be made via incentives, it's more proof that the market isn't all that hot for tackles.
Decker Dealing with a Sobering Reality
In other words, teams aren't lining up to sign Decker.
As the second week of free agency continues, Decker is still unsigned, and the longer he sits out there, the smaller his next contract will be. Spotrac projected Decker to get a two-year, $42.6 million deal ($21.3 million per season), but that won't happen.
That number is too high, and teams likely won't feel comfortable dishing that out for a player who was thinking about retiring just a couple of months ago. There's no telling where Decker will land, but the lack of movement for him in free agency shows how teams around the NFL view him.
Teams may wait until after the NFL draft to sign Decker, but there's no guarantee that he'll walk into a starting job. Meanwhile, if he stayed in Motor City, there's no question that he would have been the Lions' LT1.
It'll be interesting to see how things pan out for Decker leading into the 2026 season. He can still start for teams if needed, but there has to be something teams don't really like, forcing him to stay on the market.
Decker's desire to get released hasn't worked out in his favor to date. That could change as the offseason continues; however, so far, his Motor City exit is beginning to look like a decision he might want back.