The Detroit Lions had one major question mark answered for the 2026 season on Tuesday. Offensive tackle Taylor Decker announced on his Instagram page that he will return for the 2026 season.
This is a massive development for a player who was contemplating retirement. Decker dealt with a shoulder injury throughout the 2025 season, and that will likely be an issue worth monitoring in the next campaign.
With Decker entering his 11th season in the NFL and set to turn 33 years old in August, the Lions must still find a long-term option at the position. And it should still be at the top of the list for priorities.
Taylor Decker’s Return Shouldn’t Change Lions Offseason Approach
While speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell noted how Detroit still needs an offensive tackle, whether through free agency or in the draft.
"We’ve still got to find a guy. Because, as much as I love Deck, he’s got some things that are going to need some management... One way or another, we’re going to need somebody who can play over there (left tackle). If we need them in a crunch, or if we need them as a starter," Campbell stated, per Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit.
Decker has missed at least two games in four of the last five seasons with Detroit, and when a player is considering retirement, the team would be wise to start looking for replacements for the long haul. And the Lions should make sure they don't fall behind in that aspect.
Detroit owns the 17th and 50th overall picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 draft, giving them two great chances to add a young OT waiting in the wings.
In an article written by Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, he compiled a list of how offensive tackle dominated recent mock drafts around the Lions with the 17th pick. Of course, with Decker's future hanging in the balance, the situation was more dire, but things should stay on that accord.
Kadyn Proctor of Alabama, Monroe Freeling of Georgia, and Caleb Lomu of Utah were floated as possible selections with the first-round pick. Max Iheanachor of Arizona State and Blake Miller of Clemson are other players who could be on the board when Detroit gets on the clock in the second round.
The Lions will trot Decker out there as the starter in 2026, but it doesn't move the need for a long-term answer. Adding any of those guys wouldn't be the exciting pick fans want, but it would be a wise one for roster building.
As history has shown, Decker will miss some time due to an injury, so having an up-and-coming player ready to roll when called upon would go a long way. It would give him time to learn from Decker without being thrown into the fire from Day 1. At the same time, Detroit would have added much-needed depth at one of the most important positions in the NFL.
It was great to hear that Decker will be back for 2026, but the Lions shouldn't change their plan at tackle. If they do, they could regret it once next season kicks off.