For nearly a decade, Taylor Decker has been the constant in Detroit’s chaos — now, as the season winds down, so might his time in a Lions uniform.
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the final game of their season, questions linger about whether it could also mark the end of an era for one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players.
Taylor Decker, now 32, has spent his entire NFL career in Detroit after being selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over nearly a decade, Decker has endured organizational instability, coaching changes and rebuilding seasons while also playing a key role in the Lions’ recent resurgence. Now, injuries and the toll of a long career have led the veteran left tackle to contemplate retirement.
Decker entered the league under former head coach Jim Caldwell and was part of Lions teams that posted back-to-back 9-7 records in 2016 and 2017. Following Caldwell’s dismissal, Detroit turned to former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, a move that ultimately failed to stabilize the franchise. Patricia was fired after three seasons with a 14-33-1 record, widely regarded as one of the most unsuccessful coaching tenures in team history.
Despite the results, Decker remained one of the few players who publicly spoke about Patricia’s evolution as a leader. Decker noted that Patricia improved his ability to relate to players over time, transitioning from an aggressive, confrontational style to one that encouraged more input and accountability in the locker room.
Through it all, Decker remained a constant. He is one of the few Lions players to have blocked for both Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, bridging two vastly different eras of the franchise. In 10 seasons, Decker has started 139 games, establishing himself as one of Detroit’s most reliable and durable offensive linemen.
That durability, however, has begun to wane. Like many players deep into their careers, Decker has shown signs of slowing as injuries have mounted. This season, he battled physical setbacks that limited his availability and effectiveness, contributing to a year that did not unfold as he or the team envisioned.
Decker has acknowledged that retirement is under consideration, citing both health concerns and the challenge of balancing football with family life.
“Whatever decision my future may hold, I do not want to make that decision right now,” Decker said. “I don’t want to make an emotional choice.”
Instead, the veteran emphasized the importance of staying present.
“I would like to focus on this final game and give it the attention it deserves,” he said.
Over his career, Decker earned one Pro Bowl selection and even found the end zone twice — a rare feat for an offensive lineman. His contributions extended beyond statistics, serving as a leader during some of the franchise’s most turbulent years and a stabilizing presence as the Lions rebuilt into contenders.
If Decker does decide to retire, Detroit would face the challenge of replacing its starting left tackle for the first time in a decade. The potential transition could be even more significant with center Graham Glasgow, 33, also nearing a crossroads in his career. Losing both veterans would create substantial vacancies along the offensive line.
Decker is currently under contract through the 2027 season after signing a three-year, $60 million extension. Still, the Lions have seen this scenario before. Last season, Detroit lost All-Pro center Frank Ragnow to retirement, underscoring how quickly even elite offensive lines can change.
Whether Decker’s career ends now or continues, his impact on the Lions is undeniable — a steady presence through highs, lows and everything in between.