DETROIT - Veteran offensive lineman Taylor Decker announced on Instagram Friday that he has requested his release from the Detroit Lions after spending 10 seasons with the team.
According to Decker, the request came after the Lions asked him to take a pay cut from his $14.9 million base salary for the upcoming season. The two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a restructured contract.
The move follows months of uncertainty surrounding the veteran’s future in Detroit. Although there was speculation he might retire after last season, Decker said just weeks ago that he planned to return for his 11th season with the team.
Detroit selected Decker with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. During his time with the organization, he started more than 140 games at left tackle and played a key role on the offensive line during the Lions’ back-to-back division titles in 2023 and 2024.
The Lions have not officially released Decker, but the move would clear roughly $15 million in salary cap space once finalized. Detroit will now enter the 2026 free agency period with multiple questions along the offensive line following the release of veteran guard Graham Glasgow and the expected departure of Decker.