As many Detroit Lions fans might've been anticipating, Dan Skipper has announced his retirement from the NFL. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news, officially putting an end to the long-time tackle's tenure with the Lions and in the NFL.
Skipper, like many Lions backups this season, was thrust into a suddenly important role of either starting or getting major snaps due to injures along the Lions' offensive line. He mainly backed-up Taylor Decker this season when he went down throughout the season, and was often deployed in jumbo packages by the Lions that often didn't bear any fruit.
Skipper will be fondly remembered by Lions fans as a vital tool in former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's trick playbook, specifically, his big-man touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 season.
Skipper announces retirement from NFL - what it means for Detroit's depth
Skipper retiring means nothing for the Lions' financial situation, since he was a free agent at the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season. Still, losing Skipper means the Lions are without a key backup at tackle, and it becomes even spookier if Decker also decides to leave a huge hole at left tackle by retiring, as well.
Skipper's statement on his retirement:
"24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall. This year I'll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching.The memories and experiences that the NFL has brought me and my family are hard to put into words. Thankful for every person that has been apart of my journey.It's time for me to "report" as retired. (Sorry I had to do it one last time!)"
Skipper finished up his sixth season with the Lions after going up and down from the practice squad in 2025. His earliest stint with the Lions came in 2017, and his NFL career from there was basically defined as constant elevations, cuts, reserves deals, and then the cycle beginning anew.
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Still, Skipper was a fun addition to the Lions' offensive line as of late because of his size, but he just couldn't stay healthy in 2025 nor did he make it clear that he could step in as a permanent starting tackle because of his injuries and age.
Detroit is now left with the hope of Giovanni Manu behind Decker as their only depth at the moment. If Decker retires, then they're completely reliant on Manu until they either make a signing in free agency, a trade for another tackle, or draft a top-end talent in the first round. There are plenty of intriguing options in this year's draft, like Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, and Kadyn Proctor.
Detroit has to nail their next left tackle, or face the consequences - having to play Manu when he, even by Brad Holmes' standards, isn't ready for that responsibility.