When Taylor Decker decided he was going to play another NFL season, potentially his 11th and final, it never felt possible he wouldn't be a "Detroit Lion for life." But things took an unexpected turn, and the veteran left tackle asked for his release after contract talks went awry.
As on-field OTAs get going around the league, Decker remains available. He has drawn a line in the sand about signing with another NFC North team, in deference to his Lions' roots, which has eliminated what looked to be his No. 1 potential suitor.
The list of teams Decker could sign with is naturally short at this point. An open acknowledgement he would consider retirement as last season wound down, along with an acknowledgement his surgically-repaired shoulder might never be totally right again, are big factors in why he hasn't been signed.
When it comes down to it, without details of just how much of a pay cut the Lions wanted him to take, Decker and his representation clearly miscalculated what the market for his services would be. There have been no reports attaching him to any teams.
Potential landing spot for Taylor Decker confirms silliness of his Lions decision
Looking at our initial list of potential landing spots for Decker, you could say all five teams are off the board for him for one or more reasons. But one sort of lingers as possible, and Alex Kay of Bleacher Report has offered that team up as a possibility despite multiple offseason moves to fortify their offensive line.
"Despite the flurry of transactions, Cleveland shouldn't shy away from pulling off one more blockbuster maneuver. To finish their offensive line renovations—which included taking Spencer Fano at No. 9 overall in the draft, trading for Tytus Howard and signing both Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson—the Browns should make a run at veteran left tackle Taylor Decker."
"Decker's presence would provide flexibility for an O-line that might have to shuffle the deck several times this season to find the best possible configuration. With so many new and unproven pieces in the fold, he would be the surest option and an anchor to build out the rest of the line around."
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Kay made a case for Decker's experience, veteran leadership and being part of the Lions' rise as a nice fit for the Browns. He is also an Ohio native, so playing what seems likely to be his final NFL season back in his home state could appeal to him.
Decker's decision to ask for his release, again without knowing how much of a financial haircut the Lions wanted him to take, already looks pretty bad as he lingers available deep into May. But if the Browns and another expected AFC bottom feeder are truly his best (or only?) options right now, that decision looks even worse unless something creates a need at left tackle for a different team.
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