By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success, with left tackle Taylor Decker anchoring the unit for years. Paired with the phenomenal Penei Sewell, Decker has consistently ranked among the NFL’s elite pass protectors.
Their work in the trenches has been a game-changer for Jared Goff, whose stellar play since 2023 owes much to the clean pockets they provide. The duo’s dominance has fueled Detroit’s high-powered offense, giving Goff the time to carve up defenses and earn MVP buzz.
But 2025 has been a tough slog for Decker. A nagging shoulder injury, which flared up in Week 1, has sapped his usual grit. After sitting out two weeks, he returned in Week 7 against Tampa Bay, gutting it out but looking far from his best. Watching him play through pain is tough for Lions fans who know how vital he is to the team’s postseason hopes. It’s not a situation that inspires confidence as Detroit eyes another playoff run.
The Lions need a left tackle solution at the trade deadline, but the market is thin, leaving them in a bind. They could keep leaning on Decker, hoping he heals, while rotating in backups like Dan Skipper or, eventually, a healthy Giovanni Manu.
But that’s a risky plan for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The offensive line isn’t just about protecting Goff, who isn’t scrambling out of trouble anytime soon. It’s also about opening lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, whose explosive runs depend on Decker and Sewell’s blocking, alongside the interior line’s grit.
Trade options are tricky. Braxton Jones, a dependable left tackle for the Chicago Bears, might be available, but a deal between NFC North rivals feels like a pipe dream. Chicago’s recent surge makes them a legitimate threat to Detroit’s division crown, so they’re unlikely to help a competitor. Another name floating around is Jermaine Eluemunor, the Giants’ right tackle. He’s a talented player who could align with Sewell’s prime years, but his limited experience on the left side raises questions.
Would the Lions roll the dice on a player needing to swap sides? It’s a gamble, but Eluemunor could be a savvy addition if they believe he can adapt.
This whole mess underscores how critical a strong offensive line is in today’s NFL. Goff thrives when he’s got a fortress around him, picking apart defenses with surgical precision. Without that protection, his MVP-caliber numbers could take a hit. Similarly, the run game—powered by Gibbs and Montgomery’s dynamic duo—relies on the line’s ability to bulldoze paths. While Detroit’s defense looks promising, with key players returning in November and December, the left tackle spot is a glaring weak link. Depth here is shaky, and it’s not something the Lions can ignore if they want to keep their offense humming.
As the trade deadline looms, Detroit faces a tough call. Do they trust Decker to battle through the pain and hope their backups hold up? Or do they make a bold move to shore up the line, ensuring Goff and the run game stay unstoppable? The clock’s ticking, and Lions fans are holding their breath, knowing a healthy, dominant offensive line could be the difference between a playoff cameo and a deep run toward Motown’s first Super Bowl.