Detroit Lions fans woke up to a win in their final week of the 2025 regular season, and then promptly got greeted by some heart-wrenching news regarding the roster.
Left tackle Taylor Decker, who has been with the Lions his entire career since getting drafted in 2016, hinted at a potential retirement once again to reporters after the Lions beat the Chicago Bears. The 31 year old has been dealing with a plethora of injuries this year and playing through them, for the most part. But, it's clear that the pain that Decker's been tolerating is reaching a boiling point.
"You kind of need to look at the opportunities that could be ahead of you, and then in the next stage of life, because it's gonna end at some point. You can't play football forever. It'll be challenging, but I'm gonna need to find if that's the decision that I make. What the opportunity could be in there for me, that could make all of that easier. But as of now, I've played football forever. I've played offensive line since 2002. That's all I've played. I'm a fortunate player who's been on the team for ten years. I think that makes it weigh heavy on my heart, even more."
Decker seems ready to retire ahead of 2026 season
The Lions, now holding the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in addition to holding six additional picks outside of that round, can make something work in terms of fixing up their offensive line this offseason. Free agency will also be filled with opportunities for them at center and now, potentially, at left tackle.
READ MORE: Lions' 2026 opponents are finally set (and offer a silver lining)
Just like with how irreplaceable Frank Ragnow feels, though, Decker feels just as paramount. When healthy, he was one of the most formidable anchors on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL during the Lions' current winning era. He and Penei Sewell have made things tick for so long, and without him, Detroit loses a major veteran presence on a line already seeking to regroup.
Despite his numerous injuries, he posted a 70.2 pass blocking grade according to PFF, allowing just two sacks on the year.
If he doesn't retire, the Lions still have to be serious about his remaining time in the NFL and with the Lions. He'd be 32 headed into the 2026 season, and he would not be a reliable starting left tackle for all 17 games. Detroit cannot keep resting on it's "next man up mentality," and they have to actually supply a better plan at the "next man" in order to keep wins coming.