As Taylor Decker enters his ninth season with the Detroit Lions, he stands on the brink of a significant milestone: a contract extension that would solidify his future with the team.
The seasoned left tackle, who has experienced both the lows and highs of the Lions’ journey, has made it clear that he wants to remain in Detroit for the remainder of his career. With his current contract set to expire after this season, discussions for an extension have already begun.
In an interview with MLive earlier this year, Decker expressed his desire to stay with the Lions.
“I definitely want to end my career here,” he stated. “For me, this is where I want to be. Of course, you want money, but for me, I like being here. I love being here.”
He added that contract negotiations had started between his agent and the team, emphasizing his commitment to the Lions.
Decker’s current contract, a five-year deal worth $59.65 million, places him 12th among left tackles in terms of average annual value. As he seeks a new deal, Decker aims to enter the top-10 bracket, surpassing the likes of Orlando Brown, who earns $16.023 million annually.
His performance last season, despite allowing eight sacks, was strong enough to earn him Pro Football Focus’ ninth-highest overall grade for offensive tackles (81.1) and the 14th-best pass-blocking grade (79.4).
Given his consistent performance and veteran presence, Decker is a crucial piece for the Lions’ offensive line. His leadership and experience are invaluable to a team that has recently shown significant improvement.
Analysts like Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report have underscored Decker’s importance, noting that he is the most critical extension for the Lions ahead of the 2024 season.
In addition to Decker, the Lions are also considering extensions for other key players like defensive tackle Alim McNeill. However, Decker remains the primary focus due to his long-standing contribution and pivotal role in protecting the quarterback and anchoring the offensive line.
If the Lions manage to secure Decker’s extension before the season starts, it would be a testament to their commitment to maintaining a robust and experienced line. Conversely, if the extension does not materialize, it might indicate unforeseen complications in negotiations.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Lions’ management to see if they can lock down one of their most dedicated and impactful players, ensuring that Decker’s wish to retire in Detroit becomes a reality.
