Detroit Lions training camp is officially underway, and there are several intriguing storylines to follow as the team gears up for the 2026 NFL season. One of those is Penei Sewell’s move to the left tackle position this offseason.
Following a 2025 season in which the Lions' offensive line struggled compared to previous years and the selection of former Clemson Tigers right tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, moving Sewell to the left tackle position could help the group return to consistency.
Of course, with news of Giovanni Manu's injury that'll keep him sidelined for at least 12-14 weeks, the Lions are suddenly down an insurance policy for Sewell, if he were to need one.
Sewell is no stranger to playing at the left tackle position, as he has experience at the position during his collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks. As training camp progresses, the Lions could look to sign a backup at the position for Sewell. Here’s a look at a few players that the Lions could sign to minimum contracts to provide depth to their offensive line.
Taylor Decker
Why not bring back Taylor Decker? Even after the Lions released him back in March, the 32-year-old veteran has yet to be picked up by an NFL team. While the Lions would benefit from bringing in a younger player to their offensive line, Decker’s experience could help the Lions. However, the biggest concern is Decker’s injury struggles, and if Sewell goes down, having a younger offensive tackle might be more beneficial for the Lions.
Joseph Noteboom
Former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom is another player the Lions could look to sign as a backup to Sewell. The majority of Noteboom’s career was spent with the Los Angeles Rams for seven seasons.
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This past season with the Ravens, Noteboom played in 10 games and started in one. The 31-year-old vet is in search of another opportunity in the NFL, and the Lions could give him that chance. He gave up one sack and 14 total pressures last season, which isn't great, but he'd simply be a healthy camp body to have behind Sewell until further notice.
DJ Humphries
Another former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman, DJ Humphries, is also in search of his next opportunity in the NFL. In addition to his one season with the Rams, Humphries also played one season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and was a critical piece of the Arizona Cardinals' offensive line from 2015 to 2023.
The 2015 first-round pick has started in 101 total games and one postseason game during his NFL career. Through just 84 snaps on offense, Humphries gave up one sack and five total pressures. Again, despite the lack of productivity and usage in 2025, he'd be someone to just bring in for reliable depth behind Sewell.
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