When he asked the Detroit Lions for his release when "contract talks" (i.e. discussions about a pay cut) went awry, Taylor Decker surely didn't envision not being signed when OTAs started around the league.
But here he is, without a team with a short list of possible options unless an injury somewhere changes the equation.
Decker would've been, and still could be, a fit for one of the Lions' division rivals. But the veteran left tackle apparently does not want that revenge angle, to say nothing of that team providing an opportunity to win at a high level in what could be his final NFL season.
So Decker is left with some unflattering options right now, unless he wants to wait for a better opportunity. But there's a chance that better opportunity, with a contending team so we're clear, never comes.
Taylor Decker offered potential landing spot he better jump at if it's an option
Any list of the best available free agents includes Decker right now. Ben Arthur of Fox Sports of course had the former Lion on his, including (of course) a predicted landing spot.
"With Aaron Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh, it’s not the worst idea for the Steelers to load up on bodyguards for the 42-year-old quarterback."
"Starting left tackle Broderick Jones is coming off a season-ending neck injury. The Steelers drafted former Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round, but it’s not uncommon for rookie offensive linemen to struggle. Decker, a longtime starter for the Detroit Lions, would give Pittsburgh veteran depth."Â
With the aforementioned injury to Broderick Jones clouding his outlook for this season, the Steelers have moved Troy Fautana to left tackle early in OTAs. Fautana played the left side in college at Washington, but he was moved to the right side as a rookie in 2024 and he started all 17 games there last season. Rookie Max Iheanachor is also in the mix, getting work at right tackle early in OTAs.
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As Arthur noted, the Steelers are all-in for one more season with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback. Protecting him properly is of course a key element to maximizing his effectiveness, and figuring who is playing where at offensive tackle is a core tentacle of that.
Decker, if nothing else, would be a stable veteran presence to protect Rodgers' blindside without having to move Fautana or rely on a rookie. And, in what may his final season, he'd be all-in like the rest of the team is.
If the Steelers do call, Decker better agree to a deal before they change their mind and he's back to being left with the aforementioned lame options.
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