When Taylor Decker confirmed he was going to play an 11th NFL season in 2026, the possibility he wouldn't do so in a Detroit Lions' uniform was unfathomable. Then, he asked for his release when talks about a pay reduction apparently went awry. As the offseason calendar leaves another month in its wake, he is still available.
Decker surely doesn't want or need to take part in voluntary OTAs at this stage of his career, and mandatory minicamp can't be required if you're not on a team. Still, it appears the veteran left tackle miscalculated what the market would bear for his services. His agent could have, or should have, had some idea about that before he asked to be released.
Decker also eliminated the possibility of signing with the team that looked like the best fit for him by making it clear he did not want to sign with any other NFC North team. That's understandable to an extent, with his Lions' roots, but not at the expense of continuing your career, right?
Taylor Decker offered a potential landing spot he better run to if available
Gilberto Manzano of SI.com naturally has Decker among his top-10 available free agents as we now cross into June. What about a projected landing spot? Given what his other options might be, he'd better waste no time to sign with anyone from a certain section of teams if an offer is ever on the table.
On that note, Manzano has the Kansas City Chiefs as Decker's ideal landing spot.
"There aren’t many available starting spots for tackles. There are a few at right tackle—the Cardinals come to mind—but Decker has played most of his career on the left side and it might be too late in his career for a positional change."
"If Decker wants to play in his age-33 season, it might be wise for him to join a contender and wait for an opportunity to develop. Last month, I mentioned the Ravens, but perhaps there’s a better path toward playing with the Chiefs, who are relying on bookend tackles Jaylon Moore, who has never been a full-time starter in five seasons, and Josh Simmons, who appeared in only eight games as a rookie."Â
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Manzano referring to if Decker "wants to play in his age-33 season", and/or him possibly waiting "for an opportunity to develop", brings back the vibe Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network got when he talked to Decker earlier this offseason.
"I could see him joining a team mid-season, the further he gets away from football and games being played, injuries happening and the right offer occurs. I could also see him not playing", Rogers said on the "Lions Collective" podcast.
Whatever the reasons are for his continued availability, since he has waited this long to sign, Decker might as well wait a little longer and see what other opportunities might come to light. But if the Chiefs come calling, whenever they might do so, he'd better be on the first flight to Kansas City.
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