Lions general manager Brad Holmes announced during a Monday appearance on 97.1FM radio that left tackle Taylor Decker has signed an extension. His agent confirmed the news, noting this is a three-year, $60MM agreement. 
Decker will receive $31.83MM guaranteed on his latest Lions pact. He was entering the final year of his deal, one which was set to pay him $13.7MM. The 29-year-old has now landed a raise, though, along with added long-term security. Decker will be on the books through 2027.
The former first-rounder has spent his entire eight-year career in Detroit, and he has started each of his 116 combined regular and postseason contests. Decker has remained a consistent performer with respect to pass protection in particular, and his PFF evaluations have been steady over the years. He received the ninth-highest overall grade amongst tackles in 2023 (81.1), his best showing in that regard to date.
Extension talks between Decker and the Lions began this spring, ahead of an offseason in which several big-money deals were worked out. The likes of quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell each inked contracts at or near the top of their respective markets in recent months. Decker’s $20MM AAV will move him into seventh amongst blindside blockers, a notable move up the pecking order from where he previously was.
Decker recently expressed a positive outlook on where contract talks stood, so today’s news comes as little surprise. With his deal now official, both members of Detroit’s tackle tandem are in place for the foreseeable future. Any question of whether or not Sewell would transition to the left side (at least any time soon) will be put to rest. The Lions selected Canadian college product Giovanni Manu in the fourth round of the draft, but he projects as a long-term developmental option. With Decker on the books, Manu will not need to be rushed into action.
The Lions’ success in a number of categories last year stemmed in large part from the play of their offensive line. That unit will return Decker, Sewell, left guard Graham Glasgow and center Frank Ragnow. Former right guard starter Jonah Jackson departed in free agency, but Detroit added a capable replacement in the form of Kevin Zeitler. Expectations will therefore once again be high up front for the team in 2024 and beyond with Decker remaining on the blindside.
Detroit is shelling out this offseason! Good to finally see the franchise w/ a positive vibe for once.
What’s notable is the overall strength of the roster while still maintaining a healthy amount of maneuverability with the cap, thanks in huge part to how Holmes has been able to hit on later round picks in every draft instead of having to sign free agents & NFL veterans to fill the spots
For a team to be this good yet still have some of the most cap space in the league, not just this year but even over the next few years, is a testament to not just Holmes but the people Sheila has surrounded him with in the F.O.
The Lions organization timed their move to coincide with the other teams in their division embarking on QB reboots, which was pretty smart. The Packers, Bears and Vikings will be playing catch up for a season or two and then the NFC North will become a very entertaining dogfight to watch.
I don’t know that I’ve ever agreed with three comments in a row to such a degree in my 10-15 years on the traderumors’ sites lol
Disagree. I think it’s a dog fight now with the Packers and Lions. Bears and Vikings are in catch up mode.
The Packers use to own the Lions in Green Bay winning 24 straight contests there, but Detroit has finally gotten over that hurdle.
Lions have made quite positive moves these last few years that’ve paid off. Setting the O-line firmly in place provides the foundation for the offense to prosper again this coming season. If they can cinch up the defensive back end that could get them in the big show.
Expect they won’t be the surprise this coming season.
Watching this O-line perform (being a OL myself back n the day) is such a thing of beauty! These guys play so well together and even though Decker was getting a little long in the tooth, I’m glad they brought him back for a few more years. Lions doing things the right way for once!