Forget a splashy center signing: Detroit Lions fans might be tuned in for a big free agent signing at right tackle next week following the shocking release of Taylor Decker.
Decker, who has been with the team since 2016, announced on Friday that he had requested his release from the Lions after conversations broke down between himself and the team regarding his current deal. There's been some speculation that Detroit was looking to restructure Decker's contract, and he was not looking to have that done.
This release means two very obvious things for the Lions: one, that they will likely be targeting a right tackle in the NFL Draft in the first or second round, but no later than that. The second is that the Lions are very likely looking to add a veteran right tackle in free agency at the start of next week, assuming they're full steam ahead with an alleged plan to move Penei Sewell to left tackle full time.
Lions' next move after Decker release is clear
Detroit just cleared up enough cap space to get out of the red thanks to Decker's release, but they've still got to make other adjustments across the board if they're seeking to make a flurry of signings next week. Assuming they also restructure Jared Goff's contract, they'd be staring down just around $40 million in cap space to work with for free agency.
Offensive linemen are looking at a market where their positional group is about to get paid. With a lack of starting talent available in free agency, those who are starters are going to be supremely valued by desperate teams. This is not to say the Lions are giving off the sense of desperation, but they also just lost their starting right tackle and already don't have a starting center.
Let's look at the candidates: the New York Giants' right tackle, Jermaine Eluemunor, finished up the 2025 season with a 76.7 pass block rating from PFF, but he also gave up four sacks, three quarterback hits, and 19 total pressures.
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He's also going to be the same age as Decker once the season begins, raising questions about his ability to stay durable for what's assumed to be a long, postseason-bound year for the Lions. He also got a little spicy with Aidan Hutchinson this past season, but that's something the two could probably work past.
Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith gave up just one sack and six hits, but also gave up 26 total pressures. He's slightly younger at 29 years old, but he's had some injury woes in the past that include a concussion, neck injuries, and a knee surgery.
Jawaan Taylor is a non-starter, known for being a penalty-drawing machine with the Kansas City Chiefs to the point that the team has released him ahead of free agency. This would be an uninspiring consideration from the Lions.
Detroit might be hamstrung, to put it kindly, in the free agency market at right tackle. It almost makes you hope that whoever they take in the draft pans out well enough that they don't need to dwell on this decision. But, in reality, they need to be kicking the tires on everyone available following Decker's release, and kicking the tires on a Sewell-to-LT move.