Detroit, Michigan – According to Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions have just struck a deal with veteran offensive tackle Taylor Decker. The contract is worth 60 million dollars over a 3 year period, including 31.83 million in guarantees. The Lions badly needed to get a job done with Decker, whom has been a crucial part of their offensive line that has paved the way to their NFC Championship appearance making the Lions legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Lions now have the big three of their line locked down for the future in right tackle Penei Sewell, center Frank Ragnow, and of course left tackle Taylor Decker.
Lions OT Taylor Decker signs three-year, $60 million extension, with $31.83 million guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/WxYpc4Np2n
— NFL (@NFL) July 29, 2024
Taylor Decker has been one of the top of the line run blocking tackles in the league which has majorly contributed to the Lions’ stellar run game featuring running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Decker’s numbers did not look to great last season having 7 penalties and allowing 8 sacks, however his capabilities in the run and consistency playing 1,042 snaps made for a 77.3 PFF grade last season.
Taylor Decker is the longest tenured Detroit Lion at this point having been drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NFL draft and contributing 8 solid season to Motor City. Decker has remained in Detroit through many highs and lows, so it’s deserving that the Lions pay him his dues. Taylor Decker has certainly had some key moments with the Lions throughout his career such as on December 30th against the Dallas Cowboys when Decker caught a game winning 2 point conversion after reporting to the referee to be eligible as a receiver. Taylor caught the ball for the win, but the refs rules him inelligible giving the Dallas Cowboys the victory. Fans were outraged as they could see Taylor Decker report to the referee on the broadcast, and Taylor claimed after the game that he certainly reported as a receiver.
The Detroit Lions completed a two-point conversion to take a one-point lead, but the play was called back due to a controversial penalty against Taylor Decker. What’s your take? 👀👀 #NFLRefs #NFL #DallasCowboys #Dallas #Cowboys #DetroitLions #Detroit #Lions #OnePride pic.twitter.com/YddU6z8JnJ
— Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN) December 31, 2023
With the extension, Taylor Decker becomes tied for the 9th highest paid offensive tackle in the league alongside Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor at 20 million per year. I deem both of these contracts as somewhat of an overpay since they both make too many mistakes and draw plenty of penalties in the passing game. To be getting paid more than some of the most pristine offensive tackles in the league such as Kolton Miller and Garrett Bolles, doesn’t look great on paper. Bolles with more snaps allowed only 3 sacks compared to Decker’s 8, and Kolton Miller on over 700 snaps before injury allowed 4 sacks but only 1 single penalty.
Despite this, I do think the Lions made the right decision extending Decker as it would be extremely difficult to replace a veteran left tackle as good as Taylor Decker that fits their scheme. The Lions certainly need Decker after losing out on star guard Jonah Jackson to the Rams in free agency, they couldn’t take the risk of losing another lineman as the Lions chase the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl.