Taylor Decker expresses natural optimism about contract extension

Having been on a long journey from making the playoffs as a rookie to not doing it again his eight season, Lions' left tackle Taylor Decker wasted no time declaring his future intentions right at the outset of the offseason as he moved toward the final year of his contract.

"I definitely want to end my career here,” Decker told MLive. “I would say ultimately, for me, this is where I want to be. Of course you want money, but for me, I like being here. I love being here. I was able to be a part of climbing out of the trenches of it, and it’s been fun the past year-and-a-half to see the flip side of it. Whatever happens with the contract, I don’t know. There’s been nothing of substance with (negotiations) so far. But ultimately, do I want to be here forever? One-hundred percent. So, we’ll see.”

In April, Decker said he was aware contract talks had been going on, which would be expected. It does seem like a matter of time before something gets done, possibly before the regular season starts.

Taylor Decker offers optimism about looming contract extension

Decker spoke to reporters after the first training camp practice on Wednesday. Where sees things in regards to a new contract was a natural topic.

"I think, I’m hoping to hear fairly soon, but as far as like anything of numbers, substance, I haven't had too much.” Decker said, via Ben Raven of MLive. “I will say, it’s something that I am hopeful of, I mean, I’ve even gone up and I had some conversations with Dan [Campbell] during OTAs just to talk to him about it. I feel good about the messaging. I know what the timeline looks like, but as far as anything of substance, not really.”

Decker, a first-round pick in 2016 who has played under three head coaches, is the longest-tenured Lion. Last season, he became the fourth offensive tackle in franchise history to start 100 games (112 career regular season starts as we speak). His tenure in Detroit is lined up to extend past Year 9, and with mention of knowing the timeline he seems to know his new deal will be finalized soon.