SAD NEWS:How contract extensions will badly affect Lions Plans for Taylor Decker

How contract extensions will badly affect Lions Plans for Taylor Decker. 

 

 

The Detroit Lions have been busy this offseason, making several significant moves including acquiring Carlton Davis

via trade and signing DJ Reader, Kevin Zeitler, and Amik Robertson, among others. However, the team may still have more impactful transactions on the horizon.

 

Despite these additions, the Lions are facing potential cap constraints due to possible extensions for key players like quarterback Jared Goff and wide

receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. One notable player with a substantial cap hit for the 2024 season is offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who protects Goff’s blind

side and carries a $19.1 million cap hit. There have been rumors suggesting the Lions could part ways with Decker before the upcoming season to free up cap space.

 

Releasing Decker would increase the Lions’ available cap space by nearly $10 million, as he has a dead cap hit of $9.8

million. This move could enhance Detroit’s ability to pursue another star player on a lucrative contract.

 

However, Decker is set to become a free agent after the season. The Lions could opt to retain him for the upcoming

campaign and reassess his contract status later. Decker has been a consistent presence on the Lions’ offensive line for nine seasons.

 

Considering Decker’s solid performance—he was graded as the Lions’ fifth-highest offensive player by Pro Football Focus in 2023 with an overall grade of 81.1—it seems unlikely that Detroit

would part ways with him, especially with ambitions of contending for a Super Bowl championship in 2024. His experience and contribution to the

team’s offensive line make him a valuable asset as the Lions navigate their roster decisions heading into the new season.

Decker faced 44 pressures across 688 pass-protection snaps in both the regular season and postseason combined. His

pass-rush grade from PFF stood at 79.4, marking one of the highest of his career. Throughout his NFL tenure, Decker has

consistently provided stability, achieving a pass blocking grade above 80 in four of his eight seasons and never falling below 73 in this category.

Moreover, Decker has emerged as a respected figure in the team’s locker

room. He played a crucial role in the Lions’ historic achievements last season,

which included tying the franchise’s regular-season wins record and securing their first division title in 30 years.

As the cornerstone left tackle, Decker has been instrumental in the Lions’

development of one of the league’s top offensive line units. Releasing him and relying on a rookie replacement would

pose a significant challenge, as it would be demanding for a newcomer to immediately match Decker’s high level of performance.

Given these factors, it’s unlikely that the Lions would simply part ways with

Decker, especially before a crucial season where his experience and leadership are poised to be invaluable assets to the team.

 

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