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Taylor Decker's time as a Detroit Lion is officially done.
The Lions released Decker on Monday, March 9, three days after he asked for his release following a contract dispute with the team.
Decker said late last season he was contemplating retirement for health and family reasons but announced Feb. 24 on Instagram he intended to play again this fall.
The Lions approached Decker about taking a steep pay cut – he was due $14.9 in base salary in 2026 and had a $1.5 million roster bonus – and when the two sides couldn't agree on a deal, Decker asked to be let out of his contract.
By granting Decker's request for a release, the Lions cannot recoup money from his signing bonus if he retires.
A first-round pick by the Lions in 2016, Decker, 32, has played all 10 of his NFL seasons for the team.
More: Detroit Lions offensive line depth chart: Penei Sewell to LT?
He would be one of the best left tackles on the market if he decides to play again this fall, though it's unclear if he'll suit up for another team.
In 2024, after Decker signed a three-year, $60 million extension with the Lions, he said he couldn't imagine playing for another team.
"This is where I wanted to be. I had pretty much no interest in going to any other team," Decker said at the time.
The Lions have a history of making players repay part of their signing bonus when they retire early. By granting his release, the Lions saved $11.6 million in cap room but cannot recoup any of Decker's bonus money.
On Monday, the Lions opened free agency by adding two potential starters to their offensive line in center Cade Mays and tackle Larry Borom.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions officially release LT Taylor Decker
Continue reading...
The Lions released Decker on Monday, March 9, three days after he asked for his release following a contract dispute with the team.
Decker said late last season he was contemplating retirement for health and family reasons but announced Feb. 24 on Instagram he intended to play again this fall.
The Lions approached Decker about taking a steep pay cut – he was due $14.9 in base salary in 2026 and had a $1.5 million roster bonus – and when the two sides couldn't agree on a deal, Decker asked to be let out of his contract.
By granting Decker's request for a release, the Lions cannot recoup money from his signing bonus if he retires.
A first-round pick by the Lions in 2016, Decker, 32, has played all 10 of his NFL seasons for the team.
More: Detroit Lions offensive line depth chart: Penei Sewell to LT?
He would be one of the best left tackles on the market if he decides to play again this fall, though it's unclear if he'll suit up for another team.
In 2024, after Decker signed a three-year, $60 million extension with the Lions, he said he couldn't imagine playing for another team.
"This is where I wanted to be. I had pretty much no interest in going to any other team," Decker said at the time.
The Lions have a history of making players repay part of their signing bonus when they retire early. By granting his release, the Lions saved $11.6 million in cap room but cannot recoup any of Decker's bonus money.
On Monday, the Lions opened free agency by adding two potential starters to their offensive line in center Cade Mays and tackle Larry Borom.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions officially release LT Taylor Decker
Continue reading...
