Should the Detroit Lions Trade Taylor Decker? A Bold Decision Looms

The NFL Trade Frenzy: Will the Lions Make a Move? The NFL offseason is in full swing, and the Detroit Lions are at the center of trade speculation. With free agency set to open on March 10th, teams are aggressively positioning themselves for a Super Bowl run. While much of the buzz around Detroit has focused on potential trade targets like Trey Hendrickson, another question looms: should the Lions consider trading veteran left tackle Taylor Decker?

Taylor Decker: A Lions Icon or Trade Asset? For nearly a decade, Taylor Decker has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line. The former first-round pick has not only been a reliable blindside protector but also a respected leader in the locker room. However, as the Lions continue to invest heavily in key extensions and prepare for future contract negotiations, Decker’s contract—set to carry cap hits exceeding $20 million through 2027—raises valid financial concerns.

Robert Mays’ Trade Proposal: A Logical Move or Premature Call? NFL analyst Robert Mays from The Athletic recently suggested that Decker could be a trade candidate, especially for teams in desperate need of a left tackle. Mays pointed out that the Lions have already drafted developmental lineman Giovanni Manu, hinting that Detroit might be preparing for life after Decker. Additionally, trading Decker now could save the Lions up to $22 million against the cap by 2026, giving them flexibility to extend young stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta.

The Case for Trading Decker Now Financially, moving on from Decker would provide immediate relief, allowing Detroit to plan for long-term sustainability. The Lions also have options if they were to part ways with their veteran tackle. Penei Sewell, already an elite right tackle, could shift to the left side, or the team could target a top offensive lineman in the upcoming draft, such as Gray Zabel or Kelvin Banks. If the Lions trade Decker now, they would likely secure a mid-round draft pick, further stocking their roster with young talent.

The Case for Keeping Decker: A Super Bowl Window is Open Despite the financial benefits, trading Decker now may be an unnecessary risk for a team on the verge of championship contention. Protecting quarterback Jared Goff remains a top priority, and disrupting the offensive line could have major repercussions. Decker’s leadership and chemistry with the unit are invaluable, and a move could force a premature reliance on unproven players like Manu. Moreover, trading Decker now would cost the Lions $16.5 million in dead cap, making a post-2025 move far more practical when that number drops significantly.

What Could the Lions Get in Return? If Detroit were to pull the trigger on a trade, Decker’s value would likely net them a fifth-round pick based on recent market trends. While that’s a reasonable return for a 30-year-old tackle, it’s questionable whether such a move would truly benefit the Lions in the short term. Detroit’s front office must weigh the immediate cap relief against the potential setback of losing a high-caliber lineman in the middle of a Super Bowl window.

The Verdict: A Tough Call for the Lions While the financial logic behind trading Decker is sound, the timing doesn’t seem right. With Detroit eyeing a deep playoff run, continuity and stability on the offensive line should take precedence. The smarter move would be to reassess Decker’s future after the 2025 season when his dead cap hit becomes more manageable. For now, the Lions should focus on building around their existing core and making strategic additions rather than shaking up a proven unit.

The NFL is unpredictable, and anything can happen before free agency kicks off. But for now, Taylor Decker remains a vital piece of the Detroit Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations.