Taylor Decker’s career with the Detroit Lions is officially over.
The Lions released Decker three days later after requesting his release on Monday, March 9, due to a contract dispute with the team.
Decker said at the end of last season that he was considering retirement for health and family reasons, but he announced on Instagram on February 24 that he intended to play again this fall.
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The Lions approached Decker asking for a significant pay cut — he would make $14.9 in base salary in 2026 with a $1.5 million roster bonus — and when the two sides couldn’t agree on a deal, Decker asked to be released from his contract.
By agreeing to Decker’s release request, the Lions won’t be able to recoup money from his signing bonus if he retires.
Decker, 32, was a first-round pick of the Lions in 2016 and played 10 NFL seasons with the team.
More: Detroit Lions offensive line depth chart: Penei Sewell to LT?
If he decides to play again this fall, he’ll be one of the best left tackles on the market, although it’s unclear if he’ll suit up with another team.
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After Decker signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Lions in 2024, he said he couldn’t imagine playing for another team.
“This is where I want to be. I have zero interest in going to any other team,” Decker said at the time.
The Lions have a history of letting players repay part of their signing bonuses when they retire early. By releasing him, the Lions saved $11.6 million in cap space but were unable to recoup any of Decker’s bonuses.
The Lions opened free agency on Monday by adding two potential starters to the offensive line, center Cade Mays and Larry Borom.
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Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: dbirkett@freepress.com. follow him blue sky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions officially release LT Taylor Decker