By Moses Joshua 
Taylor Decker’s emotional crossroads may force Detroit into a difficult — and defining — offseason decision
The Detroit Lions are bracing for a pivotal offseason along the offensive line, and one of the franchise’s longest-tenured pillars may be at the center of it. Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, fresh off an emotionally draining 2025 season, is openly weighing retirement. But according to ESPN, Detroit may not wait around for an answer.
Instead, the Lions could make the first move.
ESPN Insider Raises the Stakes on Decker’s Future
ESPN insider Aaron Schatz delivered a blunt assessment that sent a ripple through Detroit’s offseason outlook, predicting the Lions would part ways with Decker even if he wants to keep playing.
“The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire,” Schatz wrote. “He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries. In 2025, he fell to 45th out of 69 ranked tackles in pass block win rate, and he ranked 61st in run block win rate.”
That projection carries serious weight considering Decker signed a three-year, $60 million extension in 2024 and started 14 of Detroit’s 17 games this past season. Still, the combination of age, injury history, and declining efficiency may have shifted the organization’s internal calculus.
An Emotional Toll That Can’t Be Ignored
Decker’s uncertainty isn’t about money or desire. It’s about pain — physical and mental — and the cost of continuing to push through it.
Following Detroit’s season finale against the Bears, Decker spoke candidly, fighting back tears as he acknowledged the possibility that his career may already be over.
“I just want to get away because it’s been really challenging for me mentally, just being in pain all the time and knowing that you have to go out there and play anyway,” Decker said. “I’m just not in a good mental state right now. I’m not sleeping well. I mean, I just need to get away, and I go out there, and I play because I love the game and I love my teammates.”
He added a line that cut to the heart of the dilemma:
“That makes it so much harder because it’s, I know I can still play.”
Family, Longevity, and a Life Beyond Football
What ultimately separates this decision from a typical contract discussion is perspective. Decker made it clear that football is no longer the only — or even primary — variable.
“It’s a massive decision, and it’s not only about me,” Decker continued. “It’s about my kids. I’ll get emotional about that. Just to be able to show up and be the father that I want to be.”
Then came the stark reality many veterans eventually face:
“I can make the selfish decision. I can keep playing until I can’t walk anymore or I can’t throw the ball with my kids.”
For the Lions, those words matter. They underscore that even if Decker wants to continue, his long-term health and availability may remain uncertain.
Detroit’s Offensive Line at a Crossroads
The timing couldn’t be more complicated. Detroit already absorbed a major blow when Frank Ragnow retired, and losing Decker — whether by retirement or release — would leave general manager Brad Holmes with another massive void to fill.
Holmes has made it clear the offensive line is a priority moving forward.
“But no, it hadn’t been ignored, we tried to do the best we can,” Holmes said during his season-ending press conference. “I was excited about the youth injection that we did go with. I think it was necessary.”
Still, patience only goes so far for a team with postseason ambitions.
“Just the offensive line as a whole, whether it’s the interiors or the tackle, that’s something that’s going to continue to see we’re going to have to be urgent in terms of adding to.”
A Difficult Decision, No Matter Who Makes It
Whether Taylor Decker ultimately retires on his own terms or becomes a cap casualty, the direction is becoming clearer. Detroit is preparing for life after one of its foundational linemen.
ESPN’s projection doesn’t guarantee what will happen — but it does suggest the Lions are ready to be pragmatic, even if it means making a painful call on a $60 million cornerstone.
One way or another, change is coming up front in Detroit.