Taylor Decker reveals offseason surgery and gives update on contract talks

During last season, Taylor Decker became the fourth offensive tackle to start at least 100 games for the Detroit Lions. That's a testament to his longevity, as the longest-tenured player on the team, and his well-documented toughness.

Decker missed two games early last season due to a right ankle injury, and it's safe to assume he battled through it over the rest of the season. But he did not miss a single snap after returning to action.

The Lions are starting offseason work this week, and Decker was among the players who spoke to the media on Tuesday. Beyond the general review of how last season ended and a look toward next season, Decker revealed he had offseason surgery on his foot and ankle.

Taylor Decker details offseason surgery and updates contract talks

"It was a foot and an ankle surgery. It was a deltoid repair and a sesamoidectomy with a tendon transfer. And a couple bone spurs.”

Decker went into far greater detail about the surgery. The issue apparently dates back to his days at Ohio State, and the procedure involved removing a bone in his foot that was necrotic (dying, in simple terms). He noted he feels great, made a fast recovery (started working out on Feb. 15) and he will be ready in plenty of time for training camp.

As the offseason started, Decker made it clear he wants to be a Lion for his entire career. He's also entering the last year of his contract. He's among a few notable Lions' players who are set for new deals, and it's fair to assume the Lions want to keep Decker around awhile longer.

Decker offered an update on where contract talks are from his end.

"Kind of entry-level conversations, base-level conversations,” Decker said. “I think my agent and the Lions are on the same page, so it’s very much an amicable conversation so far. But super early stages, nothing of substance really other than, ‘Okay, we’re going to try to figure something out, whether it’s multiple years or it’s not.’”

Decker is entering Year 9, and he's still very good (PFF's No. 9-graded offensive tackle last season, one sack allowed from Week 15-the playoffs). So he should be a Lion for a few more years, and his right ankle/foot may be in the best shape it ever has been during his career.