Examining the implications of the Lions’ forthcoming extensions.
The Detroit Lions have made a lot of changes this summer. However, the largest ones may still be on their way.
After obtaining Carlton Davis via trade and signing DJ Reader, Kevin Zeitler, and Amik Robertson, among other free agents, the Lions may yet dish out many contracts, reducing their future salary space.
Among the other candidates, quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are expected to sign lucrative multi-year contracts.
Taylor Decker, an offensive tackle, is one player with a significant cap hit heading into the 2024 season. The veteran who protects Goff’s blind side will cost the Lions $19.1 million this season. According to one observer, there is speculation that the Lions would terminate the veteran’s contract prior to the start of the season.
On the one hand, this seems plausible. The Lions were able to acquire talent this offseason, despite entering with one of the league’s highest available salaries. As it stands, the Lions have $25 million in effective cap room available.
Decker’s dead cap hit is $9.8 million, thus releasing him would increase this figure by little under $10 million. If Detroit decides to do this, they may boost their chances of signing another star on a lucrative contract.
Decker, on the other hand, will be a free agency at the end of this season. If the Lions want him off the books, they can wait until the end of the season and let him finish out his current contract. He is entering his ninth NFL season, all of which have been with the Detroit Lions.
With his production, it’s difficult to imagine the Lions parting ways with him ahead of a potential Super Bowl championship campaign in 2024. Pro Football Focus ranked him as Detroit’s fifth-best offensive player in 2023, with an overall offensive grade of 81.1.
Decker allowed 44 pressures on 688 pass-protection snaps during the regular and postseason. His pass-rush grade from PFF was 79.4, which was among the finest of his career. The veteran has been a consistent presence throughout his career, finishing with a pass blocking grade above 80 in four of his eight NFL seasons.
In fact, he’s never received a rating in that category lower than 73.
Decker has also established himself as an important figure in the locker room. He was a true anchor for last year’s club, which tied the franchise record for regular season wins and won its first division championship in 30 years.
As the team’s left tackle, he has played an important role in the organization’s efforts to construct one of the league’s greatest offensive line groups. If he is released and the Lions decide to pick his replacement, it will be difficult for a rookie to walk in and immediately produce at that high level.
As a result, it’s difficult to imagine the Lions simply cutting ties with the Ohio State product ahead of a crucial season.
