Detroit Lions Sign LT Taylor Decker to Surprisingly High Four-Year Contract Extension

**Allen Park, MI – February 27, 2025** – The Detroit Lions have made a blockbuster move ahead of the 2025 offseason, signing left tackle Taylor Decker to a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $72 million, with $40 million guaranteed. The deal, announced Thursday, keeps the veteran lineman in Honolulu Blue through the 2029 season, a surprising commitment to a player who will turn 32 later this year and was set to hit free agency in 2026.

Decker, a first-round pick from Ohio State in the 2016 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line for nearly a decade. Known for his durability and tenacity, he’s started 119 games since joining the Lions, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most underrated blindside protectors. His 2024 season was another testament to his value—playing all 17 games, Decker allowed just three sacks and anchored a line that powered the Lions to a top-five rushing attack, supporting stars like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

The extension, averaging $18 million per year, places Decker among the NFL’s highest-paid left tackles, a figure that has raised eyebrows given his age and the Lions’ already substantial investments in quarterback Jared Goff ($212 million) and right tackle Penei Sewell ($112 million). With Detroit coming off a 12-5 season and a playoff berth in 2024, GM Brad Holmes appears intent on maintaining continuity along an offensive line that’s become the heart of the team’s gritty identity under head coach Dan Campbell.

“Taylor’s the glue up front,” Holmes said in a statement. “He’s a leader, a tone-setter, and he’s playing some of the best football of his career. This keeps our foundation strong.”

The decision has sparked debate among analysts. NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks praised the move, calling Decker “the unsung hero of Detroit’s resurgence” and noting his 81.2 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024. However, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell questioned the timing and cost: “Decker’s still elite, but $72 million for a 32-year-old tackle is a big swing. The Lions are betting he defies the aging curve.”

At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, Decker remains a physical force, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking—a perfect fit for Campbell’s “bite kneecaps” philosophy. His leadership was on full display in 2024, mentoring younger linemen like Sewell and rookie center Frank Ragnow Jr., while anchoring a unit that allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the league (28). His playoff performance, including a gritty effort in a wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams, further solidified his importance.

Lions fans on X have largely embraced the news. “Decker locking down the left side for four more years? That’s how you build a contender,” one user posted. Others expressed concern about the cap hit: “Love Decker, but $18M a year at his age feels risky. Hope it doesn’t backfire.”

The financial commitment does strain Detroit’s salary cap, especially with extensions looming for stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Cutting veterans like defensive end Romeo Okwara or restructuring Goff’s deal could provide relief, but the Lions are clearly prioritizing their offensive trench dominance—a hallmark of their recent success.

For Decker, a Michigan native who’s spent his entire career with Detroit, the deal is a homecoming of sorts. “This is where I belong,” he said after signing. “We’ve built something special here, and I’m not done yet. Let’s finish what we started.”

As the Lions aim to take the next step in 2025—potentially a Super Bowl run—Decker’s extension ensures stability up front. If he maintains his All-Pro caliber play, this could be a masterstroke by Holmes. If Father Time catches up, though, Detroit might face tough questions about this hefty investment in their veteran stalwart.